'ashpit' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'ash' and 'pit,' where 'ash' meant 'residue of combustion' and 'pit' meant 'hollow or hole'.

'ash' comes from Old English 'āsce' (ashes) and 'pit' from Old English 'pytt'; in Middle English compounds such elements were combined (e.g. 'ash-pytt') and eventually formed the modern compound 'ashpit'.

Initially it meant 'a pit or hollow for ashes,' and this literal meaning has largely remained unchanged in modern usage.