'bahaism' originates from Arabic and English formation elements: specifically from the Arabic word 'Bahá' (بَهَاء) meaning 'glory' or 'splendor' (the name element in Bahá'u'lláh), combined with the English suffix '-ism' (from Greek '-ismos' via Latin/French) used to form names of belief systems or movements.

'bahaism' developed in English by combining the name 'Bahá' (used in the religious name 'Bahá'í') with the productive English suffix '-ism'; the modern English terms 'Baha'i' and 'Baha'ism/Bahaism' arise from 19th-century transliterations of Persian/Arabic religious usage into European languages.

Initially the element 'Bahá' meant 'glory' as a personal name element; over time the combined English formation 'bahaism' came to mean the religion, its teachings, and the movement founded by Bahá'u'lláh.