Appar was born in the Guruaruludaiyan kothiraam of the Vellalar caste by birth. His childhood name was Marunikkiyar (Marulneekiar).
The origins of Appar can be traced back to his birth in the Guruaruludaiyan kothiraam of the Vellalar caste, where he was known by the childhood name Marunikkiyar (also spelled Marulneekiar)