'aspirator' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'aspirare', where 'ad-' (in older formation) meant 'to/toward' and 'spirare' meant 'to breathe'.

'aspirator' developed as an agent noun from Late Latin 'aspirator' (one who breathes or blows upon) and entered English usage as a formed noun (agent/instrument) describing something that performs the action of 'aspiring' (drawing in).

Initially it was associated with 'breathing on' or the action of breathing/desiring; over time it shifted to denote an instrument that draws out or removes substances by suction, the modern primary meaning.