Etymology

Of unknown origin. Possibly from:

• Old Khmer lvo, Angkorian Old Khmer lavo, referring to Lavo, an ancient kingdom centred in the area + Old Khmer pure, Modern Khmer បុរី ‎(bŏri), from Sanskrit पुरि ‎(puri, “city; fort; fortress; town; etc.”); meaning "Lavo Fort".
• Bru ลูโว (lu-woo; "hill; mountain; etc.") + Sanskrit पुरि ‎(puri, “city; fort; fortress; town; etc.”); meaning "Hill Fort".
• Sanskrit लव ‎(lava), the name of a son of Rama, a Hindu god incarnate + Sanskrit पुरि ‎(puri, “city; fort; fortress; town; etc.”); meaning "Lava's Fort".

Pronunciation