'balanus' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'balanos', where 'balanos' meant 'acorn'.

'balanus' changed from Latin 'balanus' (from Greek 'balanos') through scientific/Latin usage and eventually became the modern English word 'balanus' referring to the acorn barnacle.

Initially, it meant 'acorn', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a genus of acorn barnacles'.