'toupee' originates from French, specifically the word 'toupet', where 'toupet' meant 'tuft of hair' or 'crest'.

'toupet' was borrowed into English as 'toupee' in the 18th century, and eventually became the modern English word 'toupee'.

Initially, it meant 'a tuft of hair' or 'a small lock of hair', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a small wig or hairpiece for covering a bald spot'.