The Spanish word 'saluda' (meaning 'greets') comes from the Spanish infinitive 'saludar' ('to greet'), which developed from the Latin verb 'salutare' meaning 'to wish health' or 'to greet'. This Latin verb was derived from 'salus', meaning 'health'. The connection between greeting and health makes sense historically, as wishing someone good health was (and still is) a common way to greet people in many cultures.

Some related Spanish words include 'salud' (health), which is commonly used as a toast similar to 'cheers' or when someone sneezes, similar to saying 'bless you'. The formal greeting 'saludos' (greetings) is also derived from the same root. These words maintain the connection between greetings and wishes for health that existed in Latin.

Several English words share this Latin ancestor, including 'salute' (a formal greeting, especially military), 'salutary' (beneficial to health), and 'salubrious' (health-giving). The word 'salutation' (a greeting) is also related. Notice how these English words, like their Spanish cousins, maintain connections to both greeting and health from their Latin origin.