Kerala
/ˈkeː.rə.lə/noun
A state on the southwestern coast of India.
Did you know?The name Kerala is traditionally linked to Sanskrit *Kerala* and related Dravidian forms, and one popular explanation connects it to *kera* (“coconut palm”), a fitting origin for a land famous for its palms and seafaring history.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient/early historical
Sanskrit
Kerala
“A name used for the region of the southwestern Indian coast.”
Early Dravidian/Regional
Dravidian
kera
“Often explained as referring to the coconut palm.”
Classical Tamil
Tamil
Cēra / Kēra
“Forms associated with the Chera kingdom and regional identity.”
Classical Greek
Greek
Kērobothra / Kērala
“Greco-Roman references to the Malabar coast region in adapted form.”
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
Kērala / Qīrala
“Arabic geographical references to the southwestern Indian coast.”
Modern English
English
Kerala
“The modern Indian state name.”