'antefixal' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'antefixum' (or 'antefixus'), where 'ante-' meant 'before' and 'figere/ fixus' meant 'to fasten' or 'to fix'.

'antefixal' developed from the noun 'antefix' (from Latin 'antefixum'/'antefixus'), which entered English from Latin (via Late Latin and medieval architectural usage); the adjective was formed later by adding the suffix '-al' to indicate 'relating to'.

Initially, the Latin root referred to something 'fastened in front' (a block or plate fixed at the eaves); over time it came to denote specifically the decorative end-piece on tiled roofs, and 'antefixal' now means 'relating to such ornaments'.