The Finnish botanist Alexander von Nordmann discovered the Nordmann fir in the summer of 1836 during his expedition to Caucasus on which he was sent by the Russian czar. In line with the established custom, the discoverer of a new species has his or her name added to the Latin plant name. Since Nordmann fir belongs to the fir genus (Abies), the complete Latin name is thus: Abies nordmanniana.