'balaena' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'balaena', which in turn comes from Greek 'phalaina' meaning 'whale'.

'balaena' changed from the Greek word 'phalaina' into Latin as 'balaena' and was later adopted in English largely as a scientific or archaic term 'balaena' (used in taxonomy and older writings).

Initially it meant 'whale' in Greek/Latin usage; over time it has remained associated with 'whale' but is now mainly used in scientific, taxonomic, or archaic contexts.