'banjo' originates from West African languages, probably from words like the Kimbundu or related Bantu term 'banza', and entered European languages via Portuguese/Spanish forms such as 'banza'.

'banjo' changed from Portuguese/Spanish 'banza' (borrowed from West African sources) and was adopted into English in the 17th century, later settling into the modern spelling and form 'banjo'.

Initially it referred to various African lute-like instruments; over time it came to denote the specific North American plucked instrument (the modern banjo).