'ashrama' originates from Sanskrit, specifically the word 'aśrama', where 'aśrama' meant 'a place of exertion or effort (for spiritual practice)'.

'ashrama' changed from the Sanskrit word 'aśrama' into regional forms such as Hindi 'ashram' and was later borrowed into English (19th century) as 'ashram'/'ashrama' through colonial and scholarly contacts.

Initially, it meant 'a place of exertion or retreat for spiritual practice', and over time the meaning has remained largely the same while also acquiring the specialized sense 'one of the four stages of life' in Hindu tradition.