'bardess' originates from English, formed from the noun 'bard' plus the feminine suffix '-ess', where the suffix '-ess' comes from Old French '-esse' and ultimately from Latin '-issa' meaning 'female agent or feminine form'.

'bard' itself comes from Old Irish 'bard' (and related Celtic forms such as Old Welsh 'bardd') meaning 'poet'; the Modern English feminine formation 'bardess' developed by adding the French-derived suffix '-ess' to 'bard'.

Initially, it meant 'a woman who is a bard or poet', and that basic meaning has been retained, though the term is now relatively rare and often considered archaic or literary rather than common modern usage.