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.
The surname's origin is tied to Strabo's observation of the volcanic environment surrounding the town. However, Hamilton challenges this assertion, pointing out that there are no volcanic rocks present in the neighborhood.