This species is named for the sister of the person for whom A. celiae is named; that is noth subspecies are named after the two sisters: Celia and Winnifried Epie.

Ref:
Scheel, J. J. 1971. Aphyosemion franzwerneri and Aphyosemion celiae, two new rivulins from Cameroon. Tropical Fish Hobbyist v. 19 (no. 5): 48, 49, 52-57, 60-66.