'baller' originates from English, specifically formed from the word 'ball' (referring to ball games, especially basketball) combined with the agentive suffix '-er', where 'ball' meant 'to play ball' and '-er' meant 'one who does'. The modern slang sense was popularized in African American Vernacular English and hip-hop culture in the late 20th century.

'baller' changed from the compound of 'ball' + '-er' with early uses meaning 'one who plays ball' in sports contexts; through slang use in sports and hip-hop it broadened in meaning to 'a wealthy or showy person', giving the contemporary senses.

Initially, it meant 'one who plays ball (especially basketball)'; over time it evolved to also mean 'a wealthy, successful, or showy person' and is used adjectivally to mean 'impressive'.