From Proto-Mongolic *hinixe-, perhaps related to Proto-Tungusic *ińe-.
Compare Dongxiang xinie, Daur xineedgw, Evenki инемӣ (iņemī).
инээх • (ineex) (Mongolian spelling ᠢᠨᠢᠶᠡᠬᠦ (iniyekü), causative инээлгэх)