'sarcopterygian' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'sarkopterygios,' where 'sarx' meant 'flesh' and 'pteryx' meant 'fin.'

'sarkopterygios' transformed into the Latin word 'sarcopterygii,' and eventually became the modern English word 'sarcopterygian.'

Initially, it meant 'flesh finned,' referring to the fleshy, lobed fins of these fishes, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.