An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Ballen
Ballen, m., ‘bale, pack,’ identical with Ball, which, as MidHG. alle and OHG. ballo show, was formerly a weak masc.; in connection with the difference of form arose a difference of meaning; orig. sense ‘round bundle of paper,’ then ‘a certain quantity of rolled or packed paper.’ E. bale and Du. baal are borrowed from Fr. balle (also ballon), which was again obtained from Germ.