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

'ammodytēs' was adopted into Latin as 'ammodytes' and eventually became the modern English word 'ammodytes.'

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