'asian' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'asiaticus', where 'Asia' referred to the region known as Asia (the continent/lands to the east).

'asian' changed from Late Latin 'asiaticus' and Old French forms (e.g. 'asiatique') into Middle English forms and eventually became the modern English word 'Asian'. The name 'Asia' itself goes back to Greek 'Ἀσία' (Asía).

Initially it meant 'of or relating to Asia (the region)', and over time it has retained this core meaning while also being used to refer to people from Asia.