'baritenor' originates from English, specifically as a blend of the words 'baritone' and 'tenor'. 'baritone' in turn originates from Italian 'baritono', where Greek 'barus' meant 'heavy' and Greek 'tonos' meant 'tone' or 'pitch'; 'tenor' originates from Latin 'tenor', where 'tenere' meant 'to hold'.

'baritone' entered English via Italian 'baritono' (from Greek elements 'barus' + 'tonos'), and 'tenor' entered English via Latin and Old French; the blended form 'baritenor' was formed in English to label a voice between the two ranges.

Initially, 'baritone' and 'tenor' referred to distinct vocal ranges; over time the blended term 'baritenor' emerged to denote a voice that lies between baritone and tenor.