'balaam' originates from Hebrew, specifically the name 'Bil'am' (Hebrew: בִּלְעָם), where the original elements are uncertain (possibly related to a root meaning 'to swallow' or otherwise obscure).

'balaam' changed from the Hebrew name 'Bil'am' into Greek 'Βαλαάμ' (Balaám) and Latin 'Balaam', and was transmitted into English via Biblical and ecclesiastical usage to yield the modern English proper name 'Balaam'.

Initially it was simply a personal name of a specific figure in Hebrew tradition; over time it has remained a proper name referring to that biblical character (and is occasionally alluded to metaphorically, e.g., as a way to refer to a prophet who speaks contrary to expectations).