Michael Baron

(male) English form of a common biblical name (meaning ‘who is like God?’ in Hebrew) borne by one of the archangels, the protector of the ancient Hebrews, who is also regarded as a saint of the Catholic Church. In the Middle Ages, Michael was regarded as captain of the heavenly host (see Revelation 12:7–9), symbol of the Church Militant, and patron of soldiers. He was often depicted bearing a flaming sword. The name is also borne by a Persian prince and ally of Belshazzar mentioned in the Book of Daniel. Since the early 1900s it has been one of the most enduringly popular boys' names in the English-speaking world. See also Michal.

English and French: from the title of nobility, Middle English, Old French baron, barun (of Germanic origin; compare Barnes 2). As a surname it is unlikely to be a status name denoting a person of rank. The great baronial families of Europe had distinctive surnames of their own. Generally, the surname referred to service in a baronial household or was acquired as a nickname by a peasant who had ideas above his station. The title was also awarded to certain freemen of the cities of London and York and of the Cinque Ports. Compare the Scottish form Barron.