'syngamy' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'syn-' meaning 'together' and 'gamos' meaning 'marriage' (union), adopted via New/Modern Latin scientific formation.

'syn-' and 'gamos' formed the New Latin term 'syngamia,' which eventually became the modern English word 'syngamy'.

Initially, it drew on the sense of 'marriage/union,' but in scientific usage it evolved to mean the fusion of gametes (fertilization).