'antefixes' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'antefixus' (or neuter 'antefixum'), where 'ante-' meant 'before' and 'figere' (or its form 'fix-') meant 'to fix' or 'to fasten'.

'antefix' changed from Medieval Latin 'antefixa' (pl. 'antefixa'/'antefixae' referring to facing pieces) and entered English from Latin/antique architectural terminology as 'antefix' with the modern plural 'antefixes'.

Initially it meant 'something fastened in front' (i.e., fixed before something), but over time it evolved to refer specifically to the decorative block fixed at the eaves covering the ends of roof tiles.