'skipjack' originates from the English word 'skip' and 'jack', where 'skip' meant 'to leap or jump' and 'jack' was a common name for a male or a tool.

'skipjack' was used in the 17th century to describe a lively person or animal, and eventually became associated with the fish and boat due to their lively nature.

Initially, it meant 'a lively person or animal', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a type of fish or boat'.