'dander' originates from English, probably as a dialectal variant related to 'dandruff' (English), where 'dand-' referred to flaky skin or scurf.

'dander' likely developed as a variant or shortening of earlier forms like 'dandruff' or regional forms in Middle English and dialects, and eventually came into standard use in Modern English as 'dander'.

Initially it referred to flaky skin or scurf; over time the primary sense remained (skin flakes), while a secondary informal sense meaning 'temper/anger' developed.