The Spanish word 'primitiva' comes from the Latin word 'primitivus', meaning 'first' or 'original'. This Latin word was formed by combining 'primitus' (meaning 'at first, in the beginning') with the relational suffix '-ivus'. Going back further, 'primitus' derives from 'primus', which simply meant 'first' in Latin. The feminine form of this adjective gives us the modern Spanish 'primitiva'.

The evolution of this word shows how the basic concept of 'first' or 'original' was elaborated with suffixes to create a more specific term for describing something primitive or in its original state.

Several common Spanish words share this same Latin root 'primus': 'primero' (first), 'primo' (cousin, originally meaning 'first degree relative'), and 'primavera' (spring, literally 'first season'). These words all maintain a connection to the concept of 'first' or 'primary' in their meanings.

English speakers can recognize this etymology in words like 'primitive', 'primary', 'prime', and 'premier', all of which come from the same Latin root 'primus'. Just as in Spanish, these English words all maintain some connection to the idea of being first, original, or fundamental.