'dolphin-safe' originates from modern English as a compound combining 'dolphin' (ultimately from Greek 'delphís' via Latin 'delphinus') and the adjective 'safe' (from Old English/Old Norse roots meaning 'free from harm'). The compound itself arose in the late 20th century in discussions and labeling of fishing practices.

'dolphin' developed from Greek 'delphís' → Latin 'delphinus' → Middle/Modern English 'dolphin', while 'safe' comes from Old English/Old Norse words meaning 'protected/from harm'. The specific compound 'dolphin-safe' emerged in the 1970s–1990s era alongside consumer-labeling and conservation movements.

Initially it literally meant 'safe for dolphins' (i.e., not harmful to dolphins). Over time it became used as a commercial and regulatory label meaning 'caught or produced by methods certified or claimed not to harm dolphins.'