Late 16th century; earliest use found in Epulario. From classical Latin pēlamyd-, pēlamys (also pēlamid-, pēlamis) a young or small tunny from ancient Greek πηλαμύδ-, πηλαμύς, of uncertain origin, perhaps a loanword. In form palamede probably after French †palamide; compare Old Occitan, Occitan palamida, Spanish palamida. In form palmita probably after Italian palamita.