'ampyx' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀμπυξ', where 'ἀμ-' meant 'around' and 'πυξ' meant 'box' or 'head'.

'ἀμπυξ' transformed into the Latin word 'ampyx', and eventually became the modern English word 'ampyx'.

Initially, it meant 'a headband or diadem', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.