'baryta' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'baryta', ultimately from Greek 'barys', where 'barys' meant 'heavy'.

'baryta' changed from Neo-Latin and German usage (for example German 'Baryta') and eventually became the modern English word 'baryta'.

Initially, it meant 'heavy' (from the Greek root) or referred to a heavy substance, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a compound of barium such as barium oxide or barium hydroxide'.