The word "preferred" means to like or favor one thing over others. When you have a preferred choice, it indicates that you would rather select that option than any other alternatives. For instance, if you have a preferred restaurant, it means you enjoy dining there more than other places.
The word "preferred" comes from the Middle English "preferre," which derives from the Latin "praeferre." In Latin, "prae-" means "before" and "ferre" means "to carry" or "to bear." Therefore, it literally means to carry something in front of or rank it higher.