'principality' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'principalitas', where 'princeps' meant 'first or chief' and the suffix '-itas' meant 'state or condition'.

'principality' changed from Anglo-French/Old French 'principauté' (from Late Latin 'principalitas') into Middle English as 'principality' and eventually became the modern English word 'principality'.

Initially it meant 'the state, condition, or territory of a prince'; over time the primary territorial meaning remained, while the word also acquired a secondary theological sense referring to a rank of angels ('principalities').