'leafless' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'lēaflēas', where 'lēaf' meant 'leaf' and '-lēas' meant 'without'.

'lēaflēas' transformed into the Middle English word 'leefles', and eventually became the modern English word 'leafless'.

Initially, it meant 'without leaves', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.