How Kochi Got Its Name

Many theories have been talked about as to the origin of the name ‘Cochin’. According to one, Cochin is a modified form of ‘Kochazhi’ meaning ‘small lagoon’ in Malayalam.

Another group believes that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan gave Kochi the name of their homeland. What could prove this theory is that Cochin is the only place outside of China where you can find Chinese fishing nets.

Some say that it comes from ‘Kaci’, meaning harbour. The city is now known as Cochin and the area around Fort Cochin as simply ‘Kochi’.