Dolphins and whales are closely related. Orcas were given the name 'killer whale' by ancient sailors' observations of groups of orcas hunting and preying on larger whale species. They called orcas asesina ballenas, or 'whale killer' – a term that was eventually flipped around to the easier 'killer whale'.

What whale is called Killer?

Orca is another word for killer whale. It comes from the whale's scientific Latin name, Orcinus orca. Some people choose to use “orca,” arguing that “killer whale” sounds too evil. The killer whale camp—which includes most scientists—prefers to call them what they are.

Are killer whales actually whales?

These marine mammals are incredibly powerful ocean icons, but I've got news about orcas that may surprise some of you: the “killer whale” is NOT technically a whale! ... Orcas have a lot of characteristics in common with whales, but taxonomically, they're actually dolphins!