The generic name Artocarpus is derived from two Greek words - 'artos' meaning bread and 'karpos' meaning fruit.
The common name 'Jackfruit' is derived from Malyalam word 'jaca'.
Earlier this plant was placed in family Urticaceae by Bentham and Hooker but as per the modern views it is now placed in family Moraceae which is separated from the family Urticaceae.