Late 17th century; earliest use found in John Ray (1627–1705), naturalist and theologian. Origin uncertain; perhaps from post-classical Latin pauxi or American Spanish †pauxí, paují, perhaps ultimately from either Quechua or a Mayan language. Compare also (in a Cariban language) Chaima paoxi bird, which may however be from American Spanish. It has also been suggested that the name is a local derivative of Spanish pavo turkey. Compare scientific Latin Pauxi (or Pauxis: see note below).