Appar was born in the Guruaruludaiyan kothiraam of the Vellalar caste by birth. His childhood name was Marunikkiyar (Marulneekiar).
Appar's birthplace was within the Guruaruludaiyan kothiraam of the Vellalar caste, where he was initially referred to as Marunikkiyar (Marulneekiar).