'hagfish' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hæg,' where 'hæg' meant 'witch' or 'hag,' and 'fish' referred to the aquatic creature.

'hæg' transformed into the Middle English word 'hagge,' and eventually became the modern English word 'hagfish.'

Initially, it meant 'witch fish,' likely due to its unusual appearance, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a specific type of jawless fish.