'amphiuma' originates from New Latin (scientific genus name), ultimately formed from Ancient Greek elements; the prefix 'amphi-' meant 'both' or 'around' and was used in classical compound formations to create the genus name.

'amphiuma' entered scientific Latin as the genus name Amphiuma in modern taxonomy and was adopted into English usage as 'amphiuma' (plural 'amphiumas') to refer to these salamanders.

Initially used as a scientific genus name, the term has retained that taxonomic meaning and in English refers specifically to these elongated aquatic salamanders.