'conundrum' originates from English; its exact origin is uncertain and it appears to be a coined or humorous term first recorded in Early Modern English (late 16th to early 17th century).

'conundrum' entered English usage as a jocular or slang term (often in student or theatrical contexts) and has remained in form as 'conundrum' into modern English, without a clear antecedent in another language.

Initially it often referred to a playful riddle or joke-question, but over time it came to be used more broadly for any puzzling, difficult, or mysterious problem.