'Amalekite' originates from Hebrew, specifically the word 'עֲמָלֵקִי' (Amaleqi), where 'עֲמָלֵק' (Amalek) referred to the tribe's ancestor.

'עֲמָלֵקִי' (Amaleqi) transformed into the Greek word 'Αμαληκίτης' (Amalekitis), and eventually became the modern English word 'Amalekite'.

Initially, it referred specifically to the descendants of Amalek, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.