An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Gimpel

by Friedrich Kluge

Gimpel, m. ‘bullfinch,’ from the equiv. late MidHG. gümpel; in ModHG. figuratively ‘simpleton.’ MidHG. gümpel is connected with gumpel, ‘leaping, jest,’ and further with gumpen, ‘to hop’; hence MidHG. gumpelmann (plur. gumpelliute), and gumpęlknëht, ‘tumbler, buffoon, fool.’