'ambay' originates from the Guarani language, specifically the word 'ambaí', where 'amba' meant 'tree' and 'í' was a diminutive suffix.

'ambaí' transformed into the Spanish word 'ambay', and eventually became the modern English word 'ambay'.

Initially, it meant 'small tree', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a specific medicinal tree'.