'gametangium' originates from New Latin, formed from 'gamete' (from Greek 'gamētēs'/'gamos' meaning 'spouse' or 'marriage') + the suffix '-angium' (from Greek 'angeion' meaning 'vessel').

'gametangium' was coined in New Latin/modern scientific Latin by combining the word 'gamete' with the Greek-derived suffix '-angium' to denote a 'vessel' or container; it entered biological usage to name structures that contain or produce gametes.

Initially it literally meant 'a vessel or container for gametes'; over time it has been maintained in biology to mean a gamete-producing organ or cell without substantial shift in meaning.