What is the Old Name of Singapore?

Singapore is a small island nation in Southeast Asia, known for its modern skyline, efficient systems, and cultural diversity. It is a global hub for trade, finance and tourism. Despite its size, Singapore has a rich history and is famous for blending traditional heritage with rapid development and innovation. In this article, we will know about the “Old Name of Singapore.”

Old Name of Singapore

Singapore was once called Temasek, a name derived from the Javanese word “tasek,” which means “sea.” This name reflected the island’s close connection to the ocean.

The Early Days of Temasek

Long before Singapore became a modern city, Temasek was a small island. It was home to pirates and fishermen and served  as an outpost for the Sumatran empire of Srivijaya. During the 14th century, Temasek grew into a trading port influenced by the Majapahit Empire and the Siamese Kingdoms.

How Temasek Became Singapore?

The name Temasek changed to Singapore, which means “Lion City” in Malay. This change happened after a Sumatran prince named Sang Nila Utama visited the island. According to legend, he saw a lion, called “singa” in Malay, and named the place Singapura. Around 1392, a Sumatran ruler named Parameswara arrived in Temasek, defeated the local leader, and the name Singapura became widely used.

Temasek and Singapura in History

In the 14th century, the island was referred to as Temasek is many historical records. However, by 1511, Portuguese explorers used only the name Singapore. Meanwhile, Chinese records continued to mention Temasek during the 15th century.