'alepole' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'ale' meaning 'beer' and 'pole' meaning 'a long, slender, rounded piece of wood or metal'.

'alepole' changed from the Middle English word 'alepol' and eventually became the modern English word 'alepole'.

Initially, it meant 'a pole for displaying alehouse signs', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.