'assign' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'assignare', where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'signare' meant 'mark'.

'assignare' transformed into the Old French word 'assigner', and eventually became the modern English word 'assign' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to mark or designate', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to allocate or designate a task or responsibility'.