'pronghorn' originates from English, specifically the compound 'prong' + 'horn', where 'prong' meant 'a pointed projection' and 'horn' meant 'horn (of an animal)'.

'prong' changed from Middle English 'prong(e)' meaning 'a point or projecting part' and combined with 'horn' to form 'prong-horn', which eventually became the modern English word 'pronghorn'.

Initially, it referred to a horn or a horn's projecting point, but over time it became the name of the animal 'pronghorn' (Antilocapra americana).