'rambling' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'ramblen' (also seen as 'rambelen'), where the root meant 'to wander' or 'to roam.'

'rambling' changed from Middle English 'ramblen' (influenced by Old French 'rambler') and eventually became modern English 'ramble'/'rambling' with senses both of physical wandering and of wandering speech.

Initially, it primarily meant 'to wander physically,' but over time it evolved to also mean 'to wander in speech or writing' (i.e., speak or write in a disorganized or digressive way).