'ascaridole' originates from New Latin/Greek, specifically the word 'ascaris' (from Greek 'askaris'), where 'askaris' meant 'intestinal worm'; the name combines 'ascarid-' (relating to ascarids, roundworms) with the chemical suffix '-ole' used in organic nomenclature.

'ascaridole' was formed in modern chemical nomenclature in the 19th century by joining 'ascarid' (from New Latin/Greek referring to roundworms) with the suffix '-ole' (a form used in naming organic substances), eventually becoming the standard name for the compound 'ascaridole'.

Initially, the element of the name indicated a substance used against 'ascarids' (roundworms); over time the term came to denote the specific chemical compound 'ascaridole' rather than broadly any worm-treating preparation.