Specific epithet from Latin meaning "grand yellow" for its large size and yellow wings. Powell & Opler states that Walsingham's grandiflavana and subflavana are two of the largest species in the west. (3)
Walsingham, L. 1879. North-American Torticidae. Illustrations of typical specimens of Lepidoptera Heterocera in the collection of the British Museum. 4: 47; Pl.71, f.2. (2)
North-American Torticidae Thomas, Lord Walsingham. 1879. Illustrations of typical specimens of Lepidoptera Heterocera in the collection of the British Museum. 4.