The word "cardamom" comes from the ancient Greek words "kardamomon" and "kardamon," which were used to refer to a type of Indian spice. The Greek term likely comes from an older Indian word, possibly from the Tamil language, which is one of the languages spoken in southern India where cardamom is grown.

The earliest recorded use of the word "cardamom" in English dates back to the 14th century. Throughout history, the spice has been known by various names in different languages, including Elaichi (Hindi), Ilaichi (Urdu), and Halepela (Kannada).

Today, the word "cardamom" is widely used to refer to the spice, and it is recognized by this name in many different languages. It has become an important ingredient in many cuisines around the world, and is known for its unique flavor and aroma.