'bangkok' originates from Thai, specifically the word 'บางกอก' (Bangkok or Bang Makok), where 'bang' meant 'riverbank' or 'village' and 'makok' referred to the 'makok' (a native fruit tree, Spondias spp.).

'bangkok' changed from the Thai place-name 'Bang Makok' (meaning 'village/riverbank of makok trees') and was adopted into English as 'Bangkok'; the city's official ceremonial Thai name later became 'Krung Thep Maha Nakhon' but the short name 'Bangkok' remained in foreign usage.

Initially, it meant 'riverbank/village of makok trees,' but over time it evolved into the modern usage referring to the large capital city of Thailand.