'ammocoete' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ammokoitēs,' where 'ammos' meant 'sand' and 'koitē' meant 'bed.'

'ammokoitēs' transformed into the modern English word 'ammocoete' through scientific Latin.

Initially, it meant 'sand bed,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'larval stage of a lamprey.'