The word “Chumporn” comprises two words which are “Chum”, meaning either gathering, a large number, many, or together and “Porn”, meaning good things, selected things, or blessed things. Hence, if “Chumporn” is literally translated, it means the gathering place of blessings. However, the actual meaning of the name is different.
As for the first story about the city’s name, it is believed that “Chumporn” was derived from the word “Prachumpol” or “ Chumnumphol” which means “gathering soldiers”, as Chumporn was a southern frontier city. So, the armies always set up their camps in Chumporn in preparation for the battle with Burmese or domestic insurgents. Since the city was always a place for gathering soldiers, it is possible that “Chumporn” was the shortened word of “Prachumphol”. Thai people in the south usually spoke with words that have shortened syllables and faster pronounced vowels. Hence, the word “Pra” was gradually cut off. And the word “Chumphol” became “Chumporn”. Usually, the names of cities or districts change collaterally with language evolution. Chumporn was strategically important in ancient times. Therefore, the meaning of the word “Prachumphol” aligns to Chumporn’s strategic importance in its history.