The Spanish word 'gremio' meaning 'guild' or 'association' comes from the Latin word 'gremium', which originally meant 'lap' or 'bosom' and by extension came to mean a 'gathering place'. The semantic evolution from a physical space (lap/bosom) to a group or association makes intuitive sense - just as a lap provides a nurturing, protective space, medieval guilds provided a supportive structure for craftsmen and professionals of the same trade.

While 'gremio' itself is a relatively common Spanish word, there aren't many simpler or more frequently used Spanish words that share its etymology. The word is most commonly encountered in historical contexts discussing medieval trade guilds or in modern contexts referring to professional associations and unions.

While English doesn't have any common words directly related to 'gremio', the concept of medieval guilds is closely related. The English word 'guild' itself comes from a different Germanic root. However, you might encounter 'gremial', a rare English word meaning 'pertaining to the lap or bosom', which comes from the same Latin root 'gremium', though this word is extremely uncommon.