'keepsake' originates from Middle English, specifically the combination of 'keep' and 'sake', where 'keep' meant 'to hold' and 'sake' meant 'purpose'.

'keepsake' changed from the Middle English word 'keepsake' and has largely retained its form and meaning in modern English.

Initially, it meant 'an object kept for the sake of memory', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.