'aper' originates from English, specifically from the word 'ape' with the agentive suffix '-er', where 'ape' came from Old English 'apa' meaning 'ape (the primate)' and '-er' indicated 'one who does'.

'aper' changed from the Old English element 'apa' to Middle English 'ape' and, by suffixation with '-er' in Early Modern English, formed the agent noun 'aper' meaning 'one who apes'.

Initially, it meant 'one who resembles or behaves like an ape' (more literal), but over time it evolved into 'one who imitates or mimics another person, often derisively'.