'Spaniard' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'Hispaniardus', where 'Hispani-' referred to 'Hispania' (the Roman name for the Iberian Peninsula) and the suffix '-ardus' indicated origin or association.

'Spaniard' changed through Old French (e.g. 'Espaignart' or 'Espaignart') and Middle English forms such as 'Spaynard' before becoming the modern English word 'Spaniard'.

Initially, it meant 'a person from Hispania' (the Roman province); over time it evolved into the current meaning 'a person from the modern country of Spain' or someone of Spanish origin.