Why is it called a hash key?

I'm curious, could you explain why it's referred to as a "hash key"? Is there a specific reason behind the naming convention? What does "hash" signify in this context, and how does it relate to the functionality of the key? Additionally, is there a history behind the terminology that I should be aware of? I'm eager to gain a deeper understanding of this concept and how it fits into the broader world of cryptography and digital security.