The origins of Bolgatty Island remain shrouded in mystery, with various theories vying for credibility. One prevailing narrative suggests that the island's name derives from the Malayalam words "bol," meaning "ball," and "gatty," meaning "thicket." This etymology is linked to a story of foreign visitors who lost a golf ball in the island's dense foliage, prompting locals to direct them to the "ball kattil," a phrase that eventually evolved into "Bolgatty."
Another theory attributes the island's name to the Sanskrit term "valuka," meaning "pearl," alluding to Bolgatty's historical significance as a pearl trade hub. A third perspective traces the island's moniker to the Tamil word "bolgundi," meaning "fort," hinting at the presence of a fort on the island in the past.
Bolgatty Island has long been a melting pot of cultures and religions. Over the centuries, the island has welcomed traders, merchants, and settlers from various parts of the world, including Arabs, Persians, and Europeans. This cultural diversity has left an indelible mark on the island's heritage, evident in its architectural styles, culinary traditions, and social customs.