'bambuco' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'bambuco', likely of onomatopoeic origin (imitating a drum or percussive sound such as 'bam').

'bambuco' entered Spanish usage during the colonial period in Latin America, absorbing Indigenous and African rhythmic and dance influences, and by the 19th century was established as the name for the Colombian genre 'bambuco'.

Initially, it referred to a rhythmic dance or drumlike pattern; over time it evolved into its current meaning of a Colombian folk music genre and paired social dance.