How Bombay Became Mumbai: From Portuguese "Good Bay" to Marathi "Mother"

Etymology of Bombay / Mumbai

Portuguese Origin: "Bombaim"

• Portuguese arrived 1534; named the natural harbor **Bombaim**.
• Bom = "Good" + **Baía** = "Bay" → **"Good Bay"**.
• Anglicized to **Bombay** under British rule (1661 dowry to Charles II).

Marathi Origin: "Mumbai"

• Derived from **Mumbadevi** – patron goddess of the Koli fishing community (original inhabitants).
• Mumba = "Mother" (Mumbadevi) + **Ai** = "Mother" → **"Mother Goddess"**.
• Used locally for centuries; official Marathi name.

Official Change

• 1995: Shiv Sena–BJP Maharashtra government renamed **Bombay → Mumbai**.
• Part of broader decolonization (Victoria Terminus → Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, etc.).
• Recognized by Government of India, UN, most international bodies.

Usage Today

• Mumbai – official, Marathi, Hindi, government, most Indians.
• Bombay – still used in English by some locals, expats, institutions (Bombay Stock Exchange, Bombay High Court, IIT Bombay).
• Both understood; no confusion.