Singapore, known today as a bustling global city, has a long and storied history stretching back centuries. Before it became the modern metropolis recognized around the world, Singapore was known by several different names, each reflecting a unique era and influence in its past.
Understanding these old names offers a fascinating glimpse into Singapore’s transformation through time.
Tracing the Ancient Names of Singapore
The earliest records of Singapore do not refer to it by its current name. Instead, ancient texts and inscriptions reference the island by older names, each with its own meaning and significance.
These names are more than just titles; they are windows into the various cultures and civilizations that once flourished in this region.
“To know the old names of Singapore is to understand the layers of history that have shaped its identity.”
Over centuries, Singapore’s strategic position at the tip of the Malay Peninsula made it a crossroads of trade, culture, and conquest. This unique location ensured that the island was known to various peoples, each bestowing their language and legends upon its shores.
The Earliest Known Name: Temasek
One of the oldest recorded names for Singapore is Temasek. This name is believed to have originated from the Javanese word “Tamasik,” which means “Sea Town” or “Sea Settlement.” Temasek appears in a number of ancient texts and maps, including Chinese, Javanese, and Malay sources, dating as far back as the 13th and 14th centuries.
| Old Name | Origin | Meaning | Period Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temasek | Javanese/Malay | Sea Town / Sea Settlement | 13th – 14th Century |
| Singapura | Sanskrit | City of the Lion | From 14th Century Onward |
| Pulau Ujong | Malay | Island at the End | Ancient Times |
The name Temasek is significant because it reveals the island’s early role as a trading port. Archaeological findings suggest that Temasek was a vibrant entrepôt involved in regional trade networks, drawing merchants from China, India, and the Malay Archipelago.
Legends and the Birth of “Singapura”
Another ancient name, and the direct predecessor to the modern “Singapore,” is Singapura. This name has its origins in the Sanskrit words “Simha” meaning lion, and “Pura” meaning city.
Thus, Singapura translates to the “City of the Lion.”
The legend of how this name came to be is deeply woven into Singapore’s national identity. According to the Malay Annals, a Srivijayan prince named Sang Nila Utama landed on the island in the 14th century.
During his exploration, he reportedly spotted a strange animal, believed to be a lion, and took this as a good omen. He then named the island Singapura.
“On seeing the lion, Sang Nila Utama decided to name the place Singapura, marking the beginning of a new era for the island.”
Although it is unlikely that lions ever inhabited Singapore, the story endures as a powerful symbol of strength and new beginnings. The name Singapura gradually replaced Temasek in common usage, especially as the island grew in prominence.
Pulau Ujong: The Island at the End
Yet another ancient name for Singapore is Pulau Ujong, which means “Island at the End” in Malay. This name references Singapore’s geographical location at the southernmost tip of the Malay Peninsula.
Pulau Ujong appears in various old Malay texts and is thought to have been used by early seafarers navigating the waters of the region. For those traveling down the peninsula, Singapore marked the “end” of the landmass before the vast sea to the south.
| Name | Language | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Temasek | Javanese/Malay | Sea Town |
| Singapura | Sanskrit | City of the Lion |
| Pulau Ujong | Malay | Island at the End |
The Influence of Early Civilizations
Singapore’s old names were shaped by the many cultures that interacted with the island. The Javanese and Malay kingdoms, Chinese traders, and Indian dynasties all played a role in shaping the island’s identity.
The use of Sanskrit for “Singapura” reflects the widespread influence of Indian civilization across Southeast Asia during the first millennium AD.
Meanwhile, the name Temasek is a testament to the maritime culture of the region. The old port city was a hub for traders from Java, Sumatra, and further afield, who used the name to describe their important stopover point.
Chinese annals from the Yuan dynasty also mention a place called Dan Ma Xi, believed to be a transliteration of Temasek. These records describe a thriving port, further confirming Singapore’s significance in ancient regional trade.
Colonial Encounters and Changing Names
The arrival of European powers in Southeast Asia in the 16th and 17th centuries brought new names and perspectives. Portuguese and Dutch maps of the period often reference “Singapura” or variations thereof, based on existing local usage.
However, it was the British who would cement the name “Singapore” in the global consciousness.
In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles established a trading post on the island, marking the start of Singapore’s transformation into a modern city. The British adopted the Anglicized form “Singapore,” derived from Singapura, and this became the official name of the colony.
Despite the colonial influence, the older names never truly disappeared. Temasek, in particular, remains a beloved name in modern Singapore, used in institutions such as Temasek Holdings and Temasek Polytechnic.
Singapore in Ancient Maps and Texts
Historic maps and documents provide valuable clues about Singapore’s old names. For instance, Chinese navigational charts from the 14th century feature references to Temasek, while early European maps often use “Singapura.”
The Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals) is a particularly important source, detailing the story of Sang Nila Utama and the founding of Singapura. Other regional chronicles, such as the Javanese Nagarakretagama, also mention Temasek as a notable center of trade.
| Source | Name Used | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Annals | Dan Ma Xi (Temasek) | 14th Century | Describes a trading port |
| Malay Annals | Singapura | 16th Century (compilation) | Legend of the Lion City |
| Nagarakretagama | Tumasik | 14th Century | Lists regional kingdoms |
Modern Usage of Singapore’s Old Names
Though “Singapore” is the official name today, the old names remain alive in various aspects of the nation’s culture and identity. The name Temasek, for instance, is used by several prominent organizations and landmarks, reflecting a deep respect for the island’s historical roots.
Temasek Holdings, a major investment company owned by the Singaporean government, carries forward the ancient name into the modern era. Similarly, Temasek Polytechnic and Temasek Junior College evoke a sense of heritage and continuity.
The lion symbol, derived from the legend of Singapura, is a powerful national icon. The Merlion statue, with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, stands proudly at Marina Bay, representing both the city’s maritime heritage and its legendary origins.
“In every corner of Singapore, echoes of Temasek and Singapura can still be found, reminding citizens and visitors alike of the city’s rich and layered past.”
Why Do Old Names Matter?
The old names of Singapore are not just historical trivia. They provide insight into the island’s early roles as a trading post, a strategic port, and a melting pot of cultures.
These names reflect the diverse influences that have shaped Singapore’s evolution into a global city.
By remembering Temasek, Singapura, and Pulau Ujong, Singaporeans honor the resilience and adaptability of their ancestors. These names serve as sources of pride and as reminders of the long journey from a small settlement to a thriving metropolis.
Moreover, the persistence of these names in modern institutions, literature, and popular culture reinforces the importance of heritage in shaping national identity.
Comparing the Old and Modern Names
It is fascinating to compare the old names with the modern name, “Singapore.” Each name carries its own set of connotations and historical context, highlighting different aspects of the island’s identity.
| Era | Name | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-14th Century | Temasek | Sea Town | Trade, navigation, maritime culture |
| 14th Century | Singapura | City of the Lion | Legend, new beginnings, royalty |
| Ancient Times | Pulau Ujong | Island at the End | Geographical location |
| Modern | Singapore | Derived from Singapura | Official national name |
Legacy and Continuity
Singapore’s journey from Temasek to Singapura, and finally to Singapore, encapsulates centuries of change, resilience, and cultural interchange. Each old name tells a story—of trade, legend, and transformation—that continues to resonate today.
The memory of Temasek is cherished in arts, education, and business, serving as a bridge between past and future. The legend of the lion city endures in national symbols, literature, and the collective imagination of the people.
“Names are more than labels; they are living connections to history. In Singapore, the legacy of Temasek and Singapura is woven into the very fabric of the nation.”
Conclusion: The Enduring Meaning of Singapore’s Old Names
The old names of Singapore—Temasek, Singapura, and Pulau Ujong—represent more than points in a timeline. They are rich with meaning, reflecting a history of migration, trade, discovery, and reinvention.
Each name captures a moment in time and offers a different perspective on the island’s identity.
As Singapore continues to evolve, its people remain deeply connected to this heritage. The enduring use of these names in modern institutions, symbols, and stories ensures that the past is never forgotten, even as the nation moves boldly into the future.
In essence, the old names of Singapore serve as a reminder that every city is built on layers of history. By exploring the origins and meanings of Temasek, Singapura, and Pulau Ujong, we gain a deeper appreciation for the city-state’s remarkable journey—a journey that continues to inspire the world.
