'Deccan' originates from Prakrit, specifically the word 'dakkhinā', where 'dakkhinā' meant 'south'.

'Deccan' changed from the Sanskrit word 'dakṣiṇa' (meaning 'south') to the Prakrit 'dakkhinā', and eventually became the modern English word 'Deccan'.

Initially, it meant 'the south', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the southern plateau region of India'.