'barberry' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'berberis', which in turn was borrowed from Arabic 'barbārīs' (a form referring to the Berber/Barbary region or the plant associated with it).

'barberry' changed from Medieval Latin 'berberis' and Old French forms (such as 'berbere') into Middle English forms like 'barbere', and eventually became the modern English word 'barberry'.

Initially it referred to the plant and its fruit associated with the term 'berberis'; over time the basic sense (the shrub and its berries) has remained largely the same.