'argentite' originates from French 'argent' (from Latin 'argentum'), where the root 'argent-' meant 'silver', combined with the mineral-name suffix '-ite' (from Greek '-ites') meaning 'connected with' or 'of the nature of'.

'argentum' (Latin) → Old/French 'argent' (meaning 'silver') → New Latin/French formation 'argentite' used in mineralogy; the English mineral name 'argentite' was adopted from this modern scientific usage.

Initially used as a general name for silver-bearing materials or ores, but over time it became restricted to the specific silver sulfide mineral (Ag2S) and related forms (often identified with or related to acanthite).