'orthopedist' originates from Modern Latin 'orthopaedia' (used in English as 'orthopaedy/orthopaedics'), ultimately from Greek: 'orthos' meant 'straight' and 'paideia' meant 'rearing or education'.

'orthopaedia' was coined in the 18th century (often credited to Nicolas Andry) in New Latin/French to refer to correction of children's deformities; English formed 'orthopaedy/orthopaedics' and later the agent noun 'orthopedist' (and British variant 'orthopaedist').

Initially it referred specifically to correcting deformities in children ('straightening' the young); over time it broadened to denote the medical specialty dealing with the musculoskeletal system generally.