The Spanish verb 'saludar' (to greet) comes from the Latin verb 'salutare' meaning 'to wish health.' This Latin verb was derived from 'salus' meaning 'health.' The evolution from wishing someone health to simply greeting them shows how common courtesies often have deeper meanings related to wishing well-being upon others.

Some related Spanish words include 'salud' (health), which is commonly used as a toast meaning 'to your health!', and 'saludable' (healthy). These words all share the same Latin root 'salus' and maintain their connection to the concept of health and well-being.

In English, we can find related words such as 'salute' (both as a greeting and a military gesture), 'salutary' (beneficial to health), and 'salubrious' (health-giving). These words also derive from the Latin 'salus' and maintain various connections to health and greetings. The English word 'salutation' (a greeting or welcome) is particularly close in meaning to the Spanish 'saludar'.