The Spanish word 'mesita' meaning 'small table' comes from the Spanish word 'mesa' (table) combined with the diminutive suffix '-ita'. The word 'mesa' itself derives from the Latin word 'mensa', meaning 'table'. The diminutive suffix '-ita' is a very common way in Spanish to indicate something is small or endearing.

The most obvious related Spanish word is 'mesa' (table), which is the base word from which 'mesita' is formed. While 'mesa' refers to any table, 'mesita' specifically refers to a small table, like a end table or nightstand. This is a great example of how Spanish uses diminutive suffixes to create new words with related meanings.

While English doesn't have many common words directly related to 'mesita', we do use the word 'mesa' to refer to a flat-topped hill or mountain with steep sides, borrowed from Spanish 'mesa' (table). This metaphorical extension of meaning comes from the flat, table-like top of these geological formations. The word 'mensa' is also known to English speakers as the name of the high IQ society, which took its name from the Latin word for 'table' to represent a round-table society.