'sumach' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'summāq', where 'summāq' meant 'red' or 'bright red'.

'sumach' passed into Medieval Latin and Old French as 'sumac' and then into Middle English as 'sumach' (also spelled 'sumac'), eventually becoming the modern English 'sumach'.

Initially it referred to the plant noted for its red berries ('red'), and over time it retained that connection while also coming to denote the spice and tanning material derived from the plant.