'banter' originates from English (mid 17th century), but its ultimate origin is uncertain; the agentive suffix '-er' was later added to form 'banterer'.

'banter' appeared in mid 17th century English meaning 'to exchange good-humored teasing' and 'banterer' developed by adding the agentive suffix '-er' to denote a person who banters.

Initially it meant 'to mock or make fun of' and over time it softened to the current sense of 'light, playful teasing or witty conversation.'