'amiral' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'amir al-bahr', where 'amir' meant 'commander' and 'al-bahr' meant 'of the sea'.

'amir al-bahr' changed from the Arabic word 'amir' and eventually became the modern English word 'admiral' through Old French 'amiral'.

Initially, it meant 'commander of the sea', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a high-ranking naval officer'.