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

'ammodytes' transformed into the scientific classification 'Ammodytidae,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ammodytoid.'

Initially, it meant 'sand diver,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a type of sand eel.'