'leitmotif' originates from German, specifically the word 'Leitmotiv', where 'Leit-' meant 'leading' and 'Motiv' meant 'motive'.

'Leitmotiv' was adopted into English in the late 19th century, retaining its original meaning from German.

Initially, it meant 'leading motive' in music, but over time it evolved to include recurring themes in literature and other art forms.