An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Baron

by Friedrich Kluge

Baron, m., ‘Baron,’ not from the equiv. MidHG. barûn, but from the Fr. and MidL Rhen. form baron, which is found in the 16th cent.; MidLat. baro, baronis, is by some based on Kelt. bar, ‘man,’ and by others on AS. beorn or on OHG. baro, ‘man, vassal.’