'ember' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'æmerge', where 'æ-' meant 'burn' and 'merge' meant 'spark'.

'æmerge' transformed into the Middle English word 'ember', and eventually became the modern English word 'ember'.

Initially, it meant 'a burning spark', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a small piece of burning or glowing coal or wood'.