'albatross' originates from the Portuguese word 'alcatraz', which referred to a pelican, and was later influenced by the Latin word 'albus', meaning 'white'.

'alcatraz' transformed into the Spanish word 'albatros', and eventually became the modern English word 'albatross'.

Initially, it referred to a type of pelican, but over time it evolved to refer to the large seabird known today.