'bargeman' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'barge' (from Medieval Latin 'barca'), where 'barge' meant 'small boat' and 'man' meant 'person'.

'bargeman' changed from the Middle English compound 'barge man' and eventually became the modern English word 'bargeman'. The element 'barge' itself evolved from Medieval Latin 'barca' through Old French 'barge'.

Initially, it meant 'a man associated with or working on a barge', and over time it has retained this basic meaning.