 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).Then it changed to mel-ambalam.Then mel(top) changed into west and ambalam changed into Mambalam.