'barony' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'baronie', where 'baron' meant 'nobleman' and Late Latin 'baro' meant 'man or warrior'.

'barony' changed from the Old French word 'baronie' (borrowed from Late Latin 'baro') into Middle English 'baronie' and eventually became the modern English word 'barony'.

Initially, it meant 'the domain or rank of a baron'; over time it has largely retained that sense but has also been used figuratively for an area of exclusive control.