In 1863, French scholar and writer, Gustave de Ponton D'Amecourt, coined the name "helicopter" based off the Greek words "helikos" (helix) and "pteron" (wing).  Ponton D'Amecourt had the privilege of studying mathematics, Sanskrit, Greek, and Latin. Gabriel de La Landelle and Ponton D'Amecourt worked together to create a steam boiler engine prototype made of aluminum, so he had a personal connection with helicopters in addition to creating the name. The coining of the name "helicopter" is important as it has not been altered since its initial formation, and it has made it easier for us to look back and locate information about helicopters now. 

Text sources:

Bellis, M. (2019). History of the helicopter. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-the-helicopter-1991899.

Ponton D'Amecourt, Gustave. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.europeana.eu/portal/en/record/2020801/dmglib_handler_biogr_24784004.html.

Image Source:

http://www.famille-damecourt.com/post/Gustave-Vicomte-de-Ponton-d’Amécourt-%281825-1888%292