'balarao' originates from Visayan languages (for example Cebuano or Hiligaynon), specifically the word 'balaraw', where 'balaraw' meant 'dagger' or 'short stabbing weapon'.

'balarao' changed from the Visayan word 'balaraw' and entered wider Philippine usage; it has been adopted into English-language descriptions of Philippine arms and culture as 'balarao'.

Initially, it meant 'a short stabbing weapon'; over time the basic meaning has remained, though the term is now often used mainly in historical, regional, or museum contexts rather than everyday speech.