Zapreval was attested in historical sources as Prewalt in 1291, Prewal in 1453, and Dolenigriboitzi and Gorenigriboitzi in 1500, among other names and spellings.[4] The name is a fused prepositional phrase that has lost case inflection, from za 'behind' + Preval (literally, 'crest, mountain pass'), referring to its position behind Preval Hill (elevation 924 meters or 3,031 feet) southeast of the village. Locally, the village is also known as za Prevalom.[5]