The word SPA comes from the Latin prefix "solution solusparagula" (healthy water). Solus (health), Par (in) and Agula (in water) mean using water to achieve health and healthy water.

SPA may also come from the Walloon word "espa", which means fountain, or from the Latin word "spagere", which means splashing water. Some experts believe that the word originated from a small town in Belgium called Spa, which is famous for its hot springs. Later, the word spa was used to refer to hot springs and health resorts that provide spas. In 19 and the 20th century, drinking mineral water or bathing with mineral water became a fashionable leisure way.