'ascaridole' originates from New Latin/chemical naming, ultimately built on Greek 'askaris' (ἀσκαρίς) meaning 'intestinal worm', combined with the chemical suffix '-ole' (used in names of organic compounds and oils).

'ascaridole' was coined in the 19th century in chemical literature from the root referring to 'ascaris' (worms) because of the compound's anthelmintic use; the form 'ascaridol' appears as an alternative spelling in some sources.

Initially the name emphasized the compound's use against intestinal worms ('worm-related oil'), and it has remained the designation for this specific terpenoid peroxide rather than a general therapeutic term.