'amphioxididae' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amphi' meaning 'both' and 'oxys' meaning 'sharp', referring to the pointed ends of the animal.

'amphi' and 'oxys' combined in Greek to form 'amphioxus', which was later adapted into the family name 'amphioxididae'.

Initially, it referred to the sharp, pointed nature of the animal, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.