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 name comes from Strabo, who got it from the volcanic environment surrounding the town. Nevertheless, Hamilton argues that there is no volcanic rock present in the neighborhood.