'baccalaureus' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'baccalaureus', where 'bacca' meant 'berry' and 'laureus' meant 'laurel' (the laurel being a traditional symbol of academic honour).

'baccalaureus' passed into Old French and Anglo-Norman academic vocabulary and is related to words such as Old French 'bacheler' (later English 'bachelor') and gave rise to the English terms 'bachelor' and 'baccalaureate' via Medieval and Middle English usage.

Initially it referred to a young aspirant or one associated with the laurel (symbolic of honor), but over time it evolved into the specific academic meaning of 'holder of a bachelor's degree'.