Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c32.34

v2.c32.34

It has been pointed out²⁹ that the names of the Yakkhas often give us a clue to their origin and function. These are taken from (*a*) their bodily appearance—e.g., Kuvaṇṇā, Khara, Kharaloma, Kharadāṭhika, Citta, Cittarāja, Silesaloma, Sūciloma and Hāritā; (*b*) their place of residence, attributes of their realms, animals, plants, etc.—e.g., Ajakalāpaka, Āḷavaka (forest-dweller), Uppala, Kakudha (name of plant), Kumbhīra, Gumbiya, Disāmukha, Yamamoli, Vajira, Vajirapāṇi or Vajirabāhu, Sātāgira, Serisaka; (*c*) qualities of character, etc.—e.g., Adhamma, Kaṭattha, Dhamma, Puṇṇaka, Māra, Sakaṭa; (*d*) embodiments of former persons—e.g., Janavasabha (lord of men = Bimbisāra), Dīgha, Naradeva, Paṇḍaka, Sīvaka, Serī.