History of Asia

How did the Mekong river get its name?

There are several theories about how the Mekong river got its name.

One theory is that the name comes from the Mon language and means "mighty mother." This is supported by the fact that the Mekong is the largest river in Southeast Asia.

Another theory is that the name comes from the Khmer language and means "nine dragons." This is based on the legend that nine dragons created the river.

Finally, some people believe that the name comes from the Chinese language and means "black river." This is based on the fact that the Mekong's water is often dark and muddy.

Ultimately, the origin of the Mekong's name is unclear, but it is likely that it comes from one of the languages of the region.