'Spanish' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'Spaigneis', which referred to something or someone from Spain.

'Spaigneis' changed from Old French 'Espaignol', which came from Medieval Latin 'Hispaniolus', and eventually became the modern English word 'Spanish'.

Initially, it meant 'of or relating to Spain or its people', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage, with the addition of referring to the language.