'baronetize' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from the noun 'baronet' and the verb-forming suffix '-ize', where 'baronet' referred to the hereditary title 'baronet' and '-ize' meant 'to make or to render'.

'baronet' came into English from Middle French 'baronet', a diminutive of 'baron', ultimately from Old French 'baron' and Late Latin 'baro'; the verb 'baronetize' is a later English formation combining 'baronet' + '-ize'.

Initially, 'baronet' meant 'a little baron or minor noble'; over time the derived verb 'baronetize' has come to mean specifically 'to grant someone the rank of baronet'.