'ammite' originates from the Greek word 'ammōn,' referring to the Egyptian god Ammon, often associated with ram's horns, which resemble the shape of ammonites.

'ammōn' transformed into the Latin word 'ammonites,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ammite' through Old French.

Initially, it referred to the god Ammon, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a fossilized ammonite.