'ashpan' originates from English, specifically the compound of the words 'ash' and 'pan', where 'ash' originates from Old English 'æsc' meaning 'ash (residue of burning)' and 'pan' originates from Old English 'panne' meaning 'pan or shallow container'.

'ashpan' developed from the combination of the Middle English/Old English elements 'ash' + 'pan' and eventually became the modern English compound 'ashpan'.

Initially, it meant 'a pan for holding ashes', and over time this core meaning has been retained with little change, though specific designs and uses have varied with heating technology.