 It is thought that the name "Khong Chiam" comes from the word "khong" (โขง) meaning 'chief of elephants' or 'herd of elephants' ("khlong"; โขลง in Thai) and "chiam" (เจียม) from the word "chiang" (เจียง), which means 'tribute'.Overall, it can be meaning 'city with elephants live together in large herds'.Neighboring districts are (from the south clockwise) Sirindhorn, Phibun Mangsahan, and Si Mueang Mai.