'Eastcote' means the cottage to the east – east of Ruislip.
In the Middle Ages it was recorded as Ascot, one of the three tithings of the parish of Ruislip, with Westcot and Norwood: Westcot became the main Ruislip village and Norwood became Northwood. The Berkshire village of Ascot shares the same origins. The station opened in 1906 as Eastcote Halt.