The Spanish word 'mapache' (meaning 'raccoon') comes from the Nahuatl word 'mapach', which literally means 'one who has hands'. This is a beautifully descriptive name that refers to the raccoon's distinctive feature - their incredibly dexterous front paws that they use almost like human hands to manipulate objects and food. The Nahuatl people, who were indigenous to central Mexico, clearly observed the raccoon's hand-like capabilities when naming this clever animal.

Since 'mapache' comes from Nahuatl rather than Latin or Greek roots, there aren't many etymologically related simpler Spanish words. This is one of many words that Spanish acquired from indigenous American languages after the colonization of the Americas.

There aren't any etymologically related English words to 'mapache', as the English word 'raccoon' comes from a completely different source - it's derived from an Algonquian word 'arahkun'. However, it's interesting to note that both Native American languages (Nahuatl and Algonquian) chose to name this animal based on its distinctive features - while Nahuatl focused on its hand-like paws, the Algonquian name refers to the animal's habit of scratching with its hands.