'asclepius' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the theonym 'Ἀσκληπιός' (Asklēpiós), the proper name of the deity of healing.

'asclepius' passed into Latin as 'Aesculapius' in Roman religion and literature; from Latin/Medieval Latin it entered Middle English and modern English as 'Asclepius' (with occasional Latinized forms preserved).

Initially, it referred specifically to the named Greek god of healing; over time the name also came to be associated with the god's attributes and symbols (e.g., the Rod of Asclepius) and used more broadly to evoke medicine or healing.