'ammodyte' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ammodytēs,' where 'ammos' meant 'sand' and 'dytēs' meant 'diver.'

'ammodytēs' transformed into the Latin word 'ammodytes,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ammodyte.'

Initially, it meant 'sand diver,' referring to its habitat and behavior, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.