'Assamese' originates from English, formed by adding the suffix '-ese' (denoting origin or relation) to 'Assam'.

'Assam' itself derives from older regional names; it is often linked to the Sanskrit word 'Asama' meaning 'unequal' or 'peerless' and to local names used by peoples of the region. The modern English form 'Assam' was established through early colonial and cartographic usage, and 'Assamese' developed to mean 'of or from Assam'.

Initially the root name referred to the region and its people; over time 'Assamese' came to be used both for inhabitants and for the language and as an adjective describing related culture or products.