Etymology Map
Back to all words

Balaclava

2 stages from Crimean Tatar to English.

Today it means a close-fitting woollen hood covering the head and neck

Where does the word "balaclava" come from? It comes from Crimean Tatar Balaklava, adopted directly into English (1880s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
Balaklava
Crimean Tatar · 1400s
"a Crimean port"
a harbour town near Sevastopol, known to the Genoese as Cembalo; the name is often explained as Turkic balık 'fish' + yuva 'nest', though this is disputed
2
Stage 2 of 2
balaclava
English · 1880s
"knitted head covering"
the Battle of Balaclava in October 1854 included the Charge of the Light Brigade; knitted head-coverings sent to freezing British troops in Crimea later took the name
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Balaclava’s story begins in Crimean Tatar: Balaklava meant “a Crimean port.” A harbour town near Sevastopol, known to the Genoese as Cembalo; the name is often explained as Turkic balık 'fish' + yuva 'nest', though this is disputed. It reached English by 1880s as balaclava. The Battle of Balaclava in October 1854 included the Charge of the Light Brigade; knitted head-coverings sent to freezing British troops in Crimea later took the name. Today, balaclava means a close-fitting woollen hood covering the head and neck.