'balija' most likely originates from a Dravidian language (for example Telugu), but the precise original form and roots are uncertain; it is recorded as a community name in regional sources.

'balija' appears in early modern and colonial-era records of South India as a community or caste name and has been used continuously in regional languages (e.g. Telugu, Kannada, Tamil) to refer to that group.

Initially used as a regional/community designation, the term has remained a label for the same social group though its social roles and status have varied over time and by region.