'baiocchi' originates from Italian, specifically the singular word 'baiocco', which referred to a small coin used in Italian states.

'baiocco' developed in medieval and early modern Italian from Medieval Latin forms such as 'baioccus' (exact earlier origin uncertain; some suggestions link it to place-names or local medieval usage). The modern Italian 'baiocco' produced the plural 'baiocchi'.

Initially, it meant a circulating small coin; over time the term fell out of regular monetary use and remains mainly a historical term. More recently the form has also been used as a product/brand name for a type of biscuit.