'flatbread' originates from Modern English as a compound of two older words: 'flat' (originating from Old Norse 'flatr' and related Old English forms meaning 'level, broad') and 'bread' (from Old English 'brēad' meaning 'a piece, morsel, or baked food').

'flatbread' developed as the hyphenated or compound expression 'flat-bread' in earlier English usage and then consolidated into the single modern word 'flatbread'. The components themselves trace back through Middle English to Old English and Old Norse roots.

Initially it simply described 'bread that is flat' and over time has kept that core meaning while also coming to label a category of various cultural breads used as wraps or bases for toppings.