'andesite' originates from French, specifically the word 'andésite', which was named after the Andes mountains, where the rock is commonly found.

'andésite' was adopted into English from French in the 19th century, and eventually became the modern English word 'andesite'.

Initially, it referred specifically to volcanic rocks found in the Andes, but over time it evolved to mean any volcanic rock of similar composition, regardless of location.