'paleoclimatology' originates from Greek and New Latin elements: the prefix 'palaeo-/paleo-' from Greek 'palaios' meaning 'ancient', 'clima' (from Greek 'klima') meaning 'region' or 'inclination' (used for 'climate'), and the suffix '-logy' from Greek 'logia' meaning 'study'.

'paleoclimatology' developed in the 20th century as a compound of 'palaeo-/paleo-' + 'climate' + '-ology'. The spelling 'palaeoclimatology' (with 'ae') reflects traditional British/Latinized form, while 'paleoclimatology' is the common American spelling; both refer to the same modern scientific term.

Initially it meant 'the study of ancient climates', and that core meaning has remained stable, although the methods, proxies, and analytical techniques used in the field have expanded and become more sophisticated.