'leopard-spotted' originates from English, specifically the compound of 'leopard' and 'spotted' (the past‑participle adjective form of 'spot').

'leopard' comes via Old French (e.g. 'leupart' or 'leupart') from Late Latin 'leopardus', itself from Greek 'leopardos' (a compound of 'leōn' meaning 'lion' and 'pardos' meaning 'male panther'). 'spotted' derives from Old English 'spot' (of uncertain earlier origin, likely Germanic), with the past-participle/adjectival use developing in Middle English.

Initially the elements referred specifically to the animal 'leopard' and the physical condition of having spots; the compound has retained the literal sense of 'marked with leopard-like spots' and acquired occasional figurative uses for any mottled appearance.