'marimba' originates from Bantu languages (likely Kikongo or Kimbundu), specifically the word 'marimba', where 'marimba' meant 'xylophone' or 'singing/struck wood'.

'marimba' was borrowed into Spanish and Portuguese during colonial contact with African instruments and later appeared in English in the 19th century as 'marimba'.

Initially, it meant 'an African wooden xylophone', but over time it evolved into the current meaning of 'a concert or orchestral wooden percussion instrument with resonators'.