'banjoist' originates from English, specifically the word 'banjo' combined with the suffix '-ist' (from French/Latin '-iste/-ista'), where '-ist' meant 'one who practices or is concerned with'.

'banjo' in English is believed to come via Portuguese (e.g. 'banza' or 'banjo') from West African words (such as forms like 'banja') for a stringed instrument; the agentive suffix '-ist' was later attached in English to form 'banjoist'.

Initially it meant 'a person who plays the banjo', and this basic meaning has remained consistent into modern usage.