'ascophyllum' originates from New Latin (botanical Latin), specifically the Modern Latin word 'Ascophyllum', where the element 'asco-' comes from Greek 'askos' meaning 'bag, sac' and '-phyllum' comes from Greek 'phyllon' meaning 'leaf'.

'ascophyllum' was coined in botanical New Latin in the 19th century from Greek roots 'askos' and 'phyllon' and used as the genus name for certain brown algae (e.g. 'Ascophyllum nodosum').

Initially coined as a botanical genus name referring to seaweeds with bladder‑like or swollen leaf/vesicle structures; it has retained this specialized botanical meaning.