'cargo' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'cargo', where the verb 'cargar' meant 'to load.'

'cargo' entered English in the early 17th century from Spanish or Portuguese 'cargo'/'carga', which ultimately derives from Late Latin/medieval Latin roots related to carrying or loading (cf. Latin 'carricare' from 'carrus' meaning 'cart').

Initially, it meant 'a load or burden'; over time it came to specifically denote 'goods carried by a ship, aircraft, or vehicle' in modern usage.