'baklawa' originates from Ottoman Turkish, specifically the word 'baklava', where the root 'bağla-' (from Old Turkic/Mongolian baγla-) meant 'to tie, bind or wrap'.

'baklawa' changed from Ottoman Turkish word 'baklava' and passed into European languages (e.g., French and English) as 'baklava' or the variant spelling 'baklawa', becoming the modern English form.

Initially it referred to something 'wrapped' or 'tied' (reflecting the root meaning), but over time it evolved to denote the specific sweet pastry made of layered dough and nuts.