'babool' originates from Hindi-Urdu, specifically the word 'bābūl' (बाबूल), which was used for certain Acacia trees and their products.

'babool' changed from the Hindi-Urdu word 'bābūl' and was borrowed into English (also appearing as 'babul') to refer to the Acacia species and their gum.

Initially it referred to the local name for the Acacia tree in South Asia; over time it has been used in English to denote the same tree species, its wood, or its gum.