 There have been many theories on the origin of the name.According to Malay legend, across the river at Kampung Kembahang where the present stream of the Pahang parts company with the Pahang Tua, in ancient time stretched a huge "mahang" tree ("macaranga") from which the river and kingdom derived their name.This legend agrees with oral tradition among Proto-Malay Jakun peoples that say their forefathers called the country "Mahang".