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 is attributed to Strabo, who linked it to the volcanic landscape. Nevertheless, Hamilton disputes this claim, suggesting that there are no volcanic or igneous rocks in the area.