'naan' originates from Persian, specifically the word 'nān', where it meant 'bread'.

'naan' passed into English via South Asian languages (e.g., Hindi/Urdu 'nān') during the 18th–19th century British contact, evolving into the modern English form 'naan'.

Initially it meant 'bread' in general, but in modern English it usually refers specifically to the South Asian leavened flatbread baked in a tandoor.