'adelantado' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'adelantar,' where 'adelante' meant 'forward' and '-ado' is a suffix indicating a past participle.

'adelantar' transformed into the Spanish word 'adelantado,' and eventually became a term used in the context of Spanish colonial administration.

Initially, it meant 'one who goes forward,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'colonial governor or leader.'