'barium' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'barium', where the Greek root 'barys' meant 'heavy'.

'barium' changed from the Greek word 'barys' and the mineral name 'baryte' (from New Latin 'baryta') and eventually became the modern English word 'barium' after the element was identified in the late 18th century.

Initially, it meant 'heavy' (referring to the mineral's weight), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the chemical element barium' and names for barium compounds.