'antefix' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'antefixum', where 'ante-' meant 'before' and 'fixum' (from 'figere') meant 'fastened' or 'fixed'.

'antefix' derived from Latin 'antefixum' (plural 'antefixa') and entered architectural usage in English via Medieval/Modern Latin (and through antiquarian scholarship), becoming established as the technical term 'antefix' in modern English.

Initially it meant 'a thing fastened in front', but over time it evolved into the specific architectural meaning of 'a decorative element attached to the edge of a roof or to cover tile ends'.