'prevalence' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praevalentia,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'valere' meant 'to be strong.'

'praevalentia' transformed into the French word 'prévalence,' and eventually became the modern English word 'prevalence' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'being strong or superior,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'commonness or widespread occurrence.'