'ampyx' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀμπυξ', where 'am-' meant 'around' and 'pyx' meant 'box or case'.

'ἀμπυξ' was used in ancient Greek to describe a type of headband or diadem, and eventually became the modern scientific term 'ampyx' for a genus of trilobites.

Initially, it meant 'headband or diadem', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a genus of trilobites'.