The generic name is a compound noun of the Greek αυλός (aulos) meaning "pipe" and Κρανος (kranos) meaning "helmet" alluding to the enlarged sensory canals in this species' head.
The common name is derived from a combination of two Greek words, "aulos" (pipe) and "kranos" (helmet). This reflects the unique characteristic of this species' head with its enlarged sensory canals.