'barkeeper' originates from English, specifically the compound 'bar' + 'keeper', where 'bar' meant 'a counter for serving drinks' and 'keeper' meant 'one who keeps or tends'.

'bar' came into English from Middle English 'barre' (from Old French 'barre') meaning 'bar or barrier', while 'keeper' comes from Old English 'cēpan/cepan' meaning 'to keep, hold, or look after'. The compound 'barkeeper' developed in English to denote someone who keeps or tends the bar.

Initially, components referred to a 'bar' as a counter or barrier and a 'keeper' as someone who keeps or watches; over time the compound evolved to mean specifically 'a person who tends a drinking bar, serving and managing beverages'.