There are several explanations of the origin of the name of Zamárdi.

According to one theory the village was called before the Mongol invasion Kis Szent Mártir which later changed to Zamárdi. However there is no proof for that.

The older part of the village is on the hill, so the residents brought water on the back of donkeys. Therefore the village was called Szamárd after szamár (English: donkey) and -d suffix.

The most accepted theory states that the name derives from a person name Zamar or Somar. He could be the first owner of the village.