'hippocampus' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'hippokampos,' where 'hippos' meant 'horse' and 'kampos' meant 'sea monster.'

'hippokampos' transformed into the Latin word 'hippocampus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'hippocampus.'

Initially, it referred to a mythological sea creature, but over time it evolved to also refer to a part of the brain.