Origin of the Name "Bhutan"

Etymology

"Bhutan" likely derives from the Sanskrit "Bhu-Utthan" (भू-उत्थान), meaning "highland" or "land of the thunder dragon" (Druk Yul in Dzongkha).

Historical Usage

The name appears in written records from the 7th century AD. The Bhutanese call their country Druk Yul ("Land of the Thunder Dragon") and themselves Drukpa.