The term couto (coto in Spanish) comes from the Latin cautēs ("pointed rock"), which refers generally to an area demarcated with boundary stones (cautos lapideos).

[5] The adjective misto, meaning "mixed" or "joint", probably refers to the dual manorial links of this territory with the feudal lords from the Duchy of Braganza and the earldom of Monte-Rei.

[6] This explanation may well be based on historical facts, as Ilduaria Eriz, one of the most important Galician aristocrats of the late 9th/early 10th century, held the regions of Limia, where the Couto is located, and also what today is northern Portugal, under her rule.

[26] Both organizations have reestablished the figure of the Homens de Acordo, with one person representing each village, and that of the Juiz Honorário (Honorary Judge) who is named each year in a ceremony held in the Church of Santiago.

In May 2007, a motion (Proposición no de ley) was discussed and approved (with 303 votes in favour) by the Spanish Parliament recognizing the singularity of the Couto Mixto as a historical and cultural enclave, and calling for measures that allow for the social and economic development of the territory.

[30] Books Articles Motto: Tres Unum Sunt (Latin) "Three are One" Delfín Modesto Brandón (born in Tourém in 1835), was the penultimate head of state, since January 1863, according to his memoirs, having been succeeded by a last Judge whose mandate ended with the partition and annexation of the territory.

Portugal renounces in favor of Spain all the rights it may have over the land of Coto Misto and over the towns located therein, which by virtue of the division determined by the described line remain in Spanish territory.