The genus name of Ecklonia is in honour of Christian Friedrich Ecklon (1795–1868), who was a Danish botanical collector and apothecary.[3]
The genus was circumscribed by Jens Wilken Hornemann in Kongl. Danske Vidensk. Selk. Naturvidenskab. Math. Afh. Vol.3 on pages 385-388 in 1828.
Ecklonia species produce eckol-type phlorotannins.[4] The name of this genus honours Christian Friedrich Ecklon (1795-1868) the Danish pharmacist, botanist and plant collector.[5]