'amerind' originates from a blend of 'American' and 'Indian', where 'American' refers to the continent and 'Indian' was a term historically used to describe the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

'American Indian' was shortened to 'Amerind' in the 19th century to provide a more concise term for the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Initially, it referred broadly to all indigenous peoples of the Americas, but its usage has declined in favor of more specific tribal names or the term 'Native American'.