Suggested etiologies of the name "Kavirondo" include From local young warriors, armed with spears, bows, arrows, & clubs, who were observed to sit on their heels, which in Kiswahili is kaa virondo.
Some think the origin of the name "Kavirondo" could be from local young fighters with weapons who would sit on their heels or "kaa virondo" in Kiswhaili.