It derives from the Latin word blandus, meaning mild or flattering. The word bland comes from the first meaning.

4 minutes ago, Bill W said:

I would have guess this word meant in a mild manner, not flattering manner, such as a person trying to find something to say without hurting the other person's feelings.  Oh, well.  I guess I was thinking of the other half of the Latin root. 

When I think of bland, I think plain and uninspired.