'non-Spanish' originates from English as a compound of the negative prefix 'non-' and 'Spanish'. The prefix 'non-' ultimately comes from Latin 'non' meaning 'not'. 'Spanish' derives from Latin 'Hispania', the Roman name for the Iberian Peninsula.

'Spanish' evolved from Latin 'Hispania' through medieval forms referring to the land and its people (Old French/Old English influences gave rise to Middle English 'Spain' and the adjective 'Spanish'). The prefix 'non-' has been productive in English since Middle English, forming compounds like 'non-native' and 'non-Christian', and was combined with 'Spanish' to form 'non-Spanish'.

Initially the components meant 'not' (non-) and 'of or relating to Hispania/Spain' (Spanish). Over time the compound has been used straightforwardly to indicate something that is not Spanish; its basic meaning has remained stable.