The world Elissos derives from the Greek verb ‘ελίσσω’ (elisso) that is to twist, wind, curve and the noun ‘έλιξ΄ ( helix) that is twisted, winding or spiral, such as the tendril of a vine, the outer ear, or in mathematics a spiral line. A helix (pl helixes or helices) is a type of smooth space curve i.e. a curve in three- dimensional space. The helix is in other words a three dimensional spiral.

The word Elissos combines as well the ending – os which is a Doric Greek ending added in many prehistoric place names on Crete, to describe important cities such as Knoss-os, Fest-os, Lat-os etc.