What is the word origin of banjo?

The word "banjo" is thought to have originated from the African word "banjar", which is a type of three-stringed musical instrument played in West Africa.

This word is believed to have been brought to the Americas by enslaved Africans and evolved into "banjo" over time.

While the exact origin and evolution of the word are debated, the African connection is widely accepted. The banjo itself, though developed in America, has a strong connection to African musical traditions, and the word reflects this history.