'baronethood' originates from English, specifically formed from the word 'baronet' and the Old English suffix '-hood', where 'baronet' came from Old French 'baronet' meaning 'little baron' and '-hood' came from Old English 'hād' meaning 'state or condition'.

'baronet' changed from Old French 'baronet' (a diminutive of 'baron') into Middle English 'baronet', and in later English the compound 'baronet' + '-hood' produced 'baronethood' to denote the state of being a baronet.

Initially, it meant 'the state or condition associated with being a little baron (a baronet)', but over time it evolved to refer more generally to the rank or dignity of a baronet (baronetcy).