'barkeep' originates from English, specifically a compound of the words 'bar' and 'keep', where 'bar' meant 'a counter or barrier for serving drinks' and 'keep' meant 'to hold or look after'.

'barkeep' changed from earlier forms such as 'bar-keeper' and 'bar keep' in Modern English and 'barkeeper' before being clipped to the colloquial 'barkeep'. 'bar' itself came into English via Middle English from Old French 'barre'. 'keep' comes from Old English 'cēpan' meaning 'to seize, hold, or keep'.

Initially it meant 'keeper of a bar' in a literal sense; over time it has remained essentially the same but has taken on an informal or colloquial tone synonymous with 'bartender'.