'caper' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'capparis', where 'capparis' referred to the caper-bush or its bud.

'caper' changed from Medieval Latin/Old French forms (from Latin 'capparis' and Old French influences) and eventually became the modern English word 'caper' through Middle English usage.

Initially it meant the plant or its buds ('caper' as the edible bud), but over time the word also came to mean 'a lively leap or frolic' (likely by association with leaping motions, as in related Romance terms).