An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Gimpel

by Friedrich Kluge

Gimpel, masculine ‘bullfinch,’ from the equivalent late Middle High German gümpel; in Modern High German figuratively ‘simpleton.’ Middle High German gümpel is connected with gumpel, ‘leaping, jest,’ and further with gumpen, ‘to hop’; hence Middle High German gumpelmann (plural gumpelliute), and gumpęlknëht, ‘tumbler, buffoon, fool.’