The Spanish word 'natal' comes from the Latin word 'natalis', meaning 'relating to birth'. 'Natalis' was formed from two parts: the Latin word 'natus' meaning 'born' (which came from the verb 'nasci' meaning 'to be born') and the suffix '-alis' meaning 'relating to'. This combination literally meant 'relating to birth' and maintained this meaning as it evolved into Spanish.

Several common Spanish words share this birth-related etymology, including 'nacer' (to be born), 'nacimiento' (birth), and 'nativo' (native). All these words trace back to the same Latin root 'nasci' meaning 'to be born'.

Many English words are related to 'natal' through the same Latin origin. The most obvious is the English word 'natal' itself, which has the same meaning. Other related English words include 'native', 'nature', 'nation' (originally referring to a group of people born in the same place), and 'innate' (literally meaning 'born within'). The prefix 'neo-' meaning 'new' as in 'neonatal' (relating to newborns) also shares this connection to birth and beginnings.