'sharp-headed' originates from the combination of 'sharp' and 'head,' where 'sharp' meant 'having a fine point or edge' and 'head' referred to the top or leading part.

'sharp' and 'head' have been used in English since Old English, with 'sharp' coming from 'scearp' and 'head' from 'heafod.'

Initially, it meant 'having a pointed head,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.