'baccara' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'baccara', where it meant 'zero' (the value assigned to tens and face cards in the game).

'baccara' (Italian, meaning 'zero') was used in medieval/early modern Italy for the card game; the term entered French as 'baccarat' and then English as 'baccarat', while 'baccara' has also appeared as a variant spelling and as a proper name (e.g., the Spanish duo).

Initially it meant 'zero' in the context of the card game; over time it became the name of the game itself and later a proper name (e.g., the musical duo).