Streblus : From the Greek streblos

Asper in Latin means rough

Saroli (shampoo) and Bolsaroli (white shampoo) arose as the leaves of this plant are used as shampoo and white coloured bark.

In the Philippines, it is commonly known as "bogta-e","bogtalay", and "Kalyos". In Cambodia, it is known as Snay. Several rural communes in Cambodia were named after the tree such as Snay Pol village (Poisonous Snay) of Prey Veng and Krang Snay (Hill of Snay) of Kampot Province. In Malaysia, it is known as "kesinai".