Anemia gets its name from the Ancient Greek words ἀν- (an-) meaning "not" and αἷμα (haima) meaning "blood." Essentially, the name reflects the condition itself: a deficiency of blood, or more accurately, a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. This deficiency leads to reduced oxygen flow to the body's organs.
This terminology accurately captures the core issue in anemia: a lack of sufficient components in the blood needed for adequate oxygen transport. Because of this reduced oxygen delivery, individuals with anemia often experience symptoms like fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and headaches.