'palm-leaf' is a compound formed in English from 'palm' and 'leaf'. 'palm' ultimately originates from Latin, specifically the word 'palma', where 'palma' meant 'palm (of the hand)' and by extension was used for the palm tree; 'leaf' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'lēaf', where 'lēaf' meant 'leaf'.

'palm' passed into English via Latin 'palma' (and Old French influences) while 'leaf' comes from Old English 'lēaf'; the compound 'palm-leaf' developed in Modern English to denote leaves of palm trees and, by cultural use in parts of Asia, the leaves when prepared as writing material (palm-leaf manuscripts).

Originally it denoted simply the 'leaf of a palm tree'; over time the term also came to refer specifically to dried palm leaves prepared and used as writing material (palm-leaf manuscripts).