 Ancient travellers and tradesmen referred to Kochi, variously alluding to it as "Cocym", "Cochym", "Cochin", and "Kochi".The Cochin Jewish community called Cochin "Kogin" (), which is seen in the seal of the synagogue owned by the community.The origin of the name "Kochi" is thought to be the Malayalam word "kochu azhi", meaning 'small lagoon'.