The word 'urn' entered English in the late 14th century from Latin urna, a term for a jar or vessel. Its Latin origin connects it to the concept of burning, via the verb urere, as such vessels were historically used to hold the ashes from a funeral pyre. This semantic link between the container and its fiery contents was preserved as the word passed into English. Over time, while retaining its solemn funerary association, the meaning also broadened to include any large, vase-shaped container, particularly for serving hot beverages like tea or coffee.

This word is a simplex loanword. It is borrowed from Latin urna, which referred to a water jar, a vessel for ashes, or a voting urn. The Latin word is likely derived from the Proto-Indo-European root werh₁- meaning "to burn, heat," via the Latin verb urere (to burn).