'baguette' originates from French, specifically the word 'baguette', a diminutive form related to 'bague' (originally used for a small rod or stick), ultimately connected to Late Latin 'baccula' and Latin 'baculum' meaning 'stick'.

'baguette' came into English from French in the 19th century; the French 'baguette' developed as a diminutive of 'bague', which traces back through Late Latin 'baccula' to Latin 'baculum', and the meaning shifted from 'small stick/rod' to the modern senses in French and English.

Initially it meant 'small rod' (a diminutive of a word for 'stick'), but over time it evolved into the current primary meanings of 'a long, thin loaf of bread' and 'a narrow rectangular gemstone cut'.