'prenuptial' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'prænuptialis,' where 'præ-' meant 'before' and 'nuptialis' meant 'pertaining to marriage.'

'prænuptialis' transformed into the French word 'prénuptial,' and eventually became the modern English word 'prenuptial' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'before marriage,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.