Its surname () is derived by Strabo (from the volcanic nature of the surrounding country), but Hamilton asserts that there is not a particle of volcanic or igneous rock in the neighbourhood, and it may be added that, if such were the case, the town would rather have been called, in Greek, Laodikeia tês katakekaumenês.
According to Strabo, the surname originated from the nearby volcanic terrain. However, Hamilton counters this by stating that there are no volcanic or igneous rocks in the vicinity, and it's possible that the town would have been named Laodikeia tês katakekaumenês if such rocks existed.