The Spanish word 'condado' (meaning 'county') comes from the Latin word 'comitatus', meaning 'retinue' or 'accompaniment'. 'Comitatus' itself was formed from the Latin word 'comes' (meaning 'companion') combined with the suffix '-atus', which was used to create nouns indicating status or office. Over time, as feudal systems developed, the meaning evolved from referring to a companion or their retinue to describing the territory governed by a count (conde in Spanish).

A simpler related Spanish word is 'conde' (meaning 'count' or 'earl'), which also derives from Latin 'comes'. While 'condado' refers to the territory or jurisdiction, 'conde' refers to the noble title itself. Another related word is 'acompañar' (to accompany), which shares the basic concept of companionship from the original Latin root.

The English word 'county' is a cognate of Spanish 'condado', as both ultimately derive from Latin 'comes'. Similarly, the English words 'count' (the noble title) and 'comital' (relating to a count) share this etymology. The English word 'accompany' also comes from the same Latin root, preserving the original meaning of companionship or going along with someone.