'studded' derives from the verb 'stud', which in Middle English came from older Germanic roots relating to a projection or support (Old English forms such as 'studu'/'stod' are recorded). The verb sense 'to set with studs' developed from the noun for a small projecting knob or fastening.

'stud' in Old English appeared as forms like 'studu'/'stod' meaning a post, support, or enclosure; in Middle English it became 'stud' or 'studen' with senses including a peg or decorative knob and an enclosure for breeding animals, and from this noun the verb 'to stud' (to fasten or decorate with studs) developed; 'studded' is the regular past/past-participle form.

Initially related to a projection/post or an enclosed place (older senses including 'stud farm'), the sense shifted toward small projecting knobs or fastenings and then to the verbal sense 'to ornament or fasten with such studs'; modern 'studded' chiefly means 'set with small decorative or fastening projections' and figuratively 'scattered or sprinkled with'.