'Bajan' originates from English, specifically as a colloquial contraction of the word 'Barbadian', which in turn comes from the name 'Barbados' (from Portuguese 'os barbados' meaning 'the bearded ones').

'Bajan' changed from the longer form 'Barbadian' by informal shortening and pronunciation shifts, and eventually became the modern colloquial form 'Bajan' used as both a noun and adjective.

Initially it denoted someone or something 'of or from Barbados' and this basic meaning has largely remained, though 'Bajan' is generally more informal and often used to refer specifically to the local dialect or cultural traits.