The Spanish word 'cabra' meaning 'goat' comes from the Latin word 'capra', which specifically meant 'female goat'. In Latin, there was a gender distinction between 'capra' (female goat) and 'caper' (male goat). As the word evolved into Spanish, it simplified to 'cabra' and became the general term for any goat, regardless of gender. The change from 'p' to 'b' is a common sound change that occurred as Latin evolved into Spanish.

Some related Spanish words include 'cabrío' (relating to goats), 'cabrero' (goatherd), and 'cabrón' (male goat, though this word has taken on other colloquial meanings and should be used with caution). These words all maintain the 'cabr-' root from Latin 'capra'.

While English 'goat' comes from a different root, there are some English words that share the Latin 'capra' ancestry. 'Caprine' means 'goat-like' or 'relating to goats', and 'Capricorn' (literally 'goat horn') is the astrological sign represented by a goat. The word 'caper', meaning a playful leap or jump, may also be related, as it likely comes from the playful jumping movements associated with goats.