'syngnathid' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'syngnathos,' where 'syn-' meant 'together' and 'gnathos' meant 'jaw.'

'syngnathos' transformed into the Latin word 'syngnathus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'syngnathid.'

Initially, it meant 'together jaw,' referring to the fused jaws of these fish, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.