'Asiatic' originates from Late Latin 'Asiaticus', ultimately from Greek 'Asiatikos', based on 'Asia' (Greek Ἀσία).

'Asiatic' came into English via Late Latin 'Asiaticus' and Medieval Latin forms, and entered Middle English as 'Asiatic' (or similar spellings), becoming the modern English form.

Initially it meant 'pertaining to Asia'; this core meaning has largely remained, though the word's use as a noun or in certain historical contexts can carry archaic or pejorative connotations today.