The name is derived from that of the Hwulqwselu people, one of the groups today represented by the Cowichan Tribes band government. Translated from xwilkw' sale, a Hunquminum word translating as "place having snags", it is a reference to a corral. A settler in the 1880s, Jonathan Elliott of Devonshire, had married the chief's daughter. As per native custom, others settled near him, prompted him to build a corral to keep them off. Remains of the corral remained and became the name of the community and people. Another version of the meaning, by a Tzouhalem band member given in 1959, is "poling up the river".BC Names entry "Koksilah River"
