1834, "lively, nimble, active, brisk," American English, from northern British dialectal kipper "nimble, frisky," the origin of which is obscure.
chipper (n.)
"one who or that which chips or makes into chips," 1510s, agent noun from chip (v.).
chiono-
chip
chipmunk
chipotle
Chippendale
chipper
Chippewa
chippy
chiral
chirarism
chiro-