From Spanishhamaca, from Taino*hamaka, which changed to ham(m)ak and then, via hangmak, to hangmat, literally “hanging mat”. Compare hangen(“to hang”) and mat(“mat”). This development is a case of popular etymology. The first attestation of such an adapted form is in a German text; it is nevertheless believed that the German form is indeed borrowed from Dutch. See Hängematte for more. Compare also Englishhammock.