According to the Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Place Names, the name Balakan may be derived from an Old Georgian word "ბელის კანი (belis k'ani)" meaning "skin of a bear cub".

[2] Throughout its history, the city was ruled by different kingdoms and khanates.

In 1918–1920, Balakan was disputed between Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and Democratic Republic of Georgia until both countries were occupied by Soviet Russia and the city became part of Azerbaijan SSR.

In 1965, Balakan gained city status after the Azerbaijani government's approval.

This Balakan District location article is a stub.