Meaning & History
Derived from Greek βάλσαμον (balsamon), originally from Hebrew basam, "spice; scent, perfume" and ultimately coming to mean "balm, balsam, ointment", folk etymology likes to interpret this name as "she who soothes; she who comforts; she who revitalizes". The name was usually given in honor of Blessed Balsamo di Cava as well as Pietro Balsamo (known as Peter Balsamus and Peter Abselamus in English), and occasionally in honor of Blessed Carino Pietro of Balsamo.