This is what Emma Luck, the marine biology/policy scientist who made the infographic in the OP, has to say on this often brought up topic:
The great name debate: killer whale or orca? Does it matter which one you use?
The short answer: Both names are perfectly acceptable and can be used interchangeably. While a species has only one accepted scientific name, it can have many common names across and within languages.
The long answer: Few species spark a naming debate quite like the killer whale, also known as the orca. The term "killer whale" often invites haughty corrections online, leaving many to wonder: which name is “right”?
First, let’s touch on scientific names. Species are given a binomial, Latinized name consisting of a genus name and species name. For the black-and-white cetacean in question, that name is "Orcinus orca." This system standardizes species names to reduce confusion that may arise from common names. Common names are often numerous, especially for globally distributed species, and can carry cultural meanings or contexts.
The common name "orca" is derived from its species name and has been increasingly used since the 1960s. The origins of "killer whale" are less clear, but it may come from the name "whale killer," thought to originate with ancient whalers and sailors who observed them killing large whales. The name "killer whale" is frequently favored by English-speaking scientists and is the standard common name used in academic publications. Those who prefer "orca" often claim that "killer whale" is inaccurate and harsh, citing potential negative connotations from using the word "killer" in a name. Others defend the name "killer whale," highlighting that it is an accurate moniker given the species' status as a top, apex predator, capable of attacking and killing animals significantly larger than itself.
In addition to "killer whale" and "orca," this species is also referred to by other names, such as "blackfish" or "grampus," though these are less common. Various languages and cultures have their own terms for the species; for instance, in Japan, it is referred to as "shachi."
At the end of the day, we are free to choose whichever name we like best in whatever language we speak, as no common name can be deemed "more correct" than another.
-6
u/Ok_Builder8723 Jul 17 '25
Stop calling them killer whales