'baklava' originates from Ottoman Turkish, specifically the word 'baklava', ultimately from Arabic 'baqlāwah' and/or Persian 'bāqlavā'.

'baklava' changed from Ottoman Turkish 'baklava' (and related Arabic 'baqlāwah' / Persian 'bāqlavā') and was borrowed into various European languages before becoming the modern English word 'baklava'.

Initially, it meant 'a layered pastry sweet from Ottoman and regional cuisines', and over time it has retained that core meaning as the specific dessert now called 'baklava'.