Bombay
/bɒmˈbeɪ/noun
The former official English name of Mumbai, a major city on India’s west coast.
Did you know?The name Bombay is usually traced through Portuguese forms like Bombaim, ultimately linked to local names of the area—not to any occult meaning, despite later romantic myths.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
Portuguese
Bombaim
“Portuguese form of the city’s name, used during colonial rule.”
16th–17th Century
English
Bombay
“English spelling adopted from Portuguese usage.”
Earlier local usage
Marathi/Local
Mumbai
“Local name associated with the goddess Mumbā/Mumbādevī and the fishing community.”
Modern English
English
Bombay
“Former English name for the city now officially called Mumbai.”