'practical-minded' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'practical' + the adjectival suffix '-minded' (from 'mind'). 'Practical' ultimately comes via French/Latin from Greek 'praktikos', where 'prakt-' related to 'doing' or 'action'. 'Mind' comes from Old English 'gemynd' meaning 'memory' or 'thought'.

'practical' developed from Latin/Greek 'praktikos' into Old French/Late Latin forms and then into Middle and Modern English as 'practical'; the suffix '-minded' arose in Modern English by adding '-minded' to nouns/adjectives (compare 'open-minded') to form compounds meaning 'having a particular kind of mind', producing 'practical-minded'.

Initially elements meant 'fit for action' (practical) and 'mind/thought' (mind); over time they combined to mean 'having a mind inclined toward practical action or usefulness', which is the modern sense.