The Spanish word 'pastorela' comes from the French word 'pastourelle', which referred to a young shepherdess or a type of pastoral poem. The French term was formed by combining 'pastour' (meaning 'shepherd', from Latin 'pastor') with the feminine diminutive suffix '-elle'. The word evolved in Spanish to specifically refer to a pastoral play or poem, maintaining its connection to shepherds and rural themes.

A simpler related Spanish word is 'pastor', which directly means 'shepherd' or 'pastor' (in the religious sense). This preserves the original Latin meaning and is easier to recognize. Another related word is 'pastoral', meaning 'relating to shepherds' or 'rural', which shares the same root.

English speakers might recognize the connection to several familiar words: 'pastor' (a religious shepherd of a congregation), 'pastoral' (relating to the countryside or shepherds), and 'pasture' (where livestock graze). All these words share the same Latin root 'pastor' meaning 'shepherd'. The connection between religious and agricultural meanings comes from the metaphorical use of 'shepherd' to represent spiritual guidance.