'axolemma' originates from Modern New Latin/Greek formation, specifically from Greek 'axōn' and 'lēmma', where 'axōn' meant 'axis' and 'lēmma' meant 'husk' or 'sheath'.

'axolemma' was coined in scientific terminology by combining the element 'axon' (from Greek 'axōn') and 'lemma' (from Greek 'lēmma') and entered English usage as a technical neurobiological term in modern scientific literature.

Initially it literally meant 'sheath (or husk) of the axis', but over time it evolved to the current specialized meaning 'the plasma membrane of an axon'.