'commonwealth' originates from Middle English, specifically the words 'common' and 'wealth', where 'common' meant 'shared by all' and 'wealth' meant 'well-being'.

'commonwealth' changed from the Middle English word 'commune wele' and eventually became the modern English word 'commonwealth'.

Initially, it meant 'the public good or welfare', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a political community'.