'gammarid' originates from New Latin, specifically the family name 'Gammaridae', which is based on the genus name 'Gammarus' (from Greek 'gammaros' meaning 'a kind of shrimp' or 'crustacean').

'gammarid' developed from the scientific New Latin family name 'Gammaridae' (formed from the genus name 'Gammarus'), and was adopted into English as 'gammarid' to denote members of that family.

Initially used in taxonomy to indicate belonging to the genus or family derived from 'Gammarus'; it is now used in general English to refer to any member of the family Gammaridae (a type of amphipod).