'pictograph' originates from Latin and Greek elements: Latin 'pictus' meaning 'painted' (from 'pingere', to paint) combined with Greek 'graphein' meaning 'to write'. The English coinage reflects these roots.

'pictus' (Latin) + 'graphein' (Greek) led to the New/Modern formation 'pictograph' in English (coined in the 19th century) to mean a 'written/painted picture'.

Initially it referred to 'a painted or written picture used as a record or sign,' and over time it broadened to include modern graphic symbols and icons used to convey information.