'bobble' originates from English, specifically from the base 'bob' plus the frequentative/diminutive suffix '-le', where 'bob' meant 'to move up and down or to pluck'.

'bob' (Middle English, e.g. 'boben', likely imitative) gave rise to 'bobble' in Early Modern English as a derivative meaning a small bobbing movement or a small rounded object; the word developed forms such as 'boble' and 'bobble' in writing.

Initially it referred to a quick bobbing movement or the action 'to bob'; over time it broadened to denote small rounded decorations (pom-poms), pills on fabric, and figuratively handling errors (a fumble).