 T. Nagar and Nandanam stretch all along its eastern frontiers while Ashok Nagar lies to its west.The Ayodhya Mandapam is an important landmark.Mambalam is believed to have derived its name from the existence of Maha vilvam trees in the locality, which in due course become "Mavilam" and then "Mambalam"

In ancient times it was known as "Mylai mel ambalam" (place located on the west of Mylai).