I just got access to Bard, and this is what Bard says.
Where does the word bard come from?
> The word "bard" comes from the Old Celtic word "bardo-," which means "poet" or "singer." It is thought to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "gʷerH-," which means "to praise." The word was originally used to refer to the professional poets and singers of the Celtic cultures, who were responsible for composing and reciting oral traditions, such as epics, genealogies, and songs. The word "bard" came to be used more generally to refer to any poet or singer in the 16th century.
Draft 2:
> The word bard comes from the Old Celtic word "bardos" which means "poet-singer". It was first used in English in the 16th century. The Old Celtic word "bardos" is thought to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European word "gʷerH-" which means "to praise".
Draft 3 (Including a source: Wikipedia):
> The word bard comes from the Celtic languages: Gaulish: bardo- ('bard, poet'), Middle Irish: bard and Scottish Gaelic: bàrd ('bard, poet'), Middle Welsh: bardd ('singer, poet'), Middle Breton: barz ('minstrel'), Old Cornish: barth ('jester'). The ancient Gaulish *bardos is attested as bardus (sing.) in Latin and as bárdoi (plur.) in Ancient Greek.
The word bard originally referred to a Celtic poet-singer, but it has come to mean more generally a poet or singer. It is especially associated with the early Celtic cultures of Ireland and Wales, where the bards were highly respected members of society. They were responsible for composing and reciting poems, songs, and stories, and they often played an important role in preserving the oral traditions of their people.
The word bard is still used today to refer to a poet or singer, and it is also used in the names of several fictional characters, such as the Bard of Avon (William Shakespeare) and the Bard of the Highlands (Robbie Burns).
Sources - Learn more
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bard