'low-minded' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'low' and 'minded', where 'low' conveyed 'of low social or moral status' and 'mind(ed)' referred to one's disposition or mental character.

'low' and 'mind' each trace back to earlier English roots (with 'mind' from Old English elements meaning 'memory, thought'), and the compound form 'low-minded' developed in relatively recent English by joining these elements to describe a person's moral disposition.

Initially formed by combining the senses of 'low' and 'minded' (i.e., 'having a low disposition'), it settled into its present meaning of 'having low moral standards or base motives.'