Greek kerkis—Cercis, phyllon—leaf, referring to the similarity of the leaves to those of the Judas Tree, Cercis.For description see species.

Source: Spencer, R. (1997). Cercidiphyllaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 2. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.