The name Arctic comes from the Greek word arktos, meaning "bear.” One common theory behind this etymology suggests that the Greek word arktos could be a reference to the constellation Ursa Major, or Great Bear, which features prominently in many cultures' myths about the heavens. Another possible explanation for the origin of this name is that it comes from Arktouros, another name for the north star Polaris. As for Antarctica, some experts believe that its name comes from the Greek word antarktikos, which means "opposite to the Arctic." There are no bears in Antarctica, suggesting this could be how it received its name.

Source: World Atlas