'wunderkind' originates from German, specifically the word 'Wunderkind', where 'Wunder' meant 'wonder' and 'Kind' meant 'child'.

'wunderkind' was borrowed into English from German in the 19th century, largely keeping the original form 'Wunderkind' and eventually appearing in English texts as 'wunderkind' (and its plural 'wunderkinds').

Initially, it meant 'wonder child' (a miraculous or remarkable child), and over time it has retained that core meaning while also being used more broadly for unusually talented young people or prodigies.