'bankbook' is a compound formed in English from 'bank' + 'book'. 'bank' (financial institution) originates from Italian 'banca' meaning 'bench' or 'money‑lender's counter', and 'book' originates from Old English 'bōc' meaning 'written document' or 'record'.

'bank' entered English via Old Italian 'banca' (and Medieval Latin influences) meaning a money‑dealer's bench; 'book' comes from Old English 'bōc'. The compound 'bankbook' arose in modern English as banks began issuing small books to customers (19th–20th century) and became 'bankbook' in common usage.

Initially the elements meant 'money‑lender's bench' and 'written record' respectively; combined, they have consistently meant 'a book recording bank transactions', a sense that has remained stable into modern usage.