Specifically, the word is thought to come from the Abenaki word "tobagan," which referred to a type of sled used by the Abenaki people. These sleds were typically made from a single piece of wood, curved upwards at the front, and were used for transportation and recreation.
The word "toboggan" first appeared in English in the 18th century, and its usage gradually spread as European settlers adopted the Abenaki sleds.
Interestingly, the word "tobagan" is still used in some parts of Canada to refer to the traditional Abenaki sled, while "toboggan" is more common in English-speaking countries for the modern, manufactured versions.