Over the course of its history, Nepal has been known by names, such as The Land of Truth, The Land of Solitary Meditation and Penance. It is only in this current Iron Age that it is known as Nepal. So when did Nepal become Nepal? Who coined this name?

There are many theories out there.  Here are five interesting ones we found:   

1. Nepal was ruled by kings of the Gopal dynasty. They were known as ‘Nepa’. Hence the name Nepal
2. In Tibetan Language ‘Ne’ means home and ‘pal’ means ‘wool’. Sheep were reared in Kathmandu Valley once upon a time.  Hence Nepal- the land of the wool. 
3. In Newari language ‘Ne’ means ‘centre’ and ‘pa’ means country.  So Nepal is a country situated in the centre!
4. There was once a sage called ‘Ne’ who lived along the banks of Bagmati and Bishnumati river. He was the only advisor to the king hence. The ruler was so impressed by him, he name the entire kingdom ‘Nepal’
5. ‘Ne’ means ‘holy’ and ‘pal’ means cave in Lepcha’s  dialect. Nepal is a holy place- the centre of pilgrimage of Hindus and Buddists. It was called a ‘holy cave’; hence Nepal.  

What theory convinces you the most? What did we miss out? Know another theory?  

Leave a comment below and let us know!

Source: The information has been collected from the curriculum taught at schools in Nepal