'syenite' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'syenites,' which referred to a type of stone from Syene, an ancient city in Egypt.

'syenites' transformed into the French word 'syénite,' and eventually became the modern English word 'syenite' through Middle English.

Initially, it referred to a type of stone from Syene, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a specific type of igneous rock.