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

'ammokoitēs' transformed into the scientific term 'ammocoetes' used in modern English.

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