What Are People From Chennai Called?

South Asia, India

The demonym for people from Chennai is:

Chennaite

Pronunciation:

/ˈtʃɛnaɪ/

Ends in -ite — see how this suffix works

Chennai Central
Image via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 2.0

About Chennai

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and a major city on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. It was renamed from Madras in 1996, a change that reflects its strong Tamil identity and cultural roots. The city's Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, lined with food stalls, promenades, and historic monuments. Chennai is a major center for car manufacturing, information technology, and Carnatic music, which has a long and celebrated tradition here. Its ancient temples, colonial-era buildings, and busy markets reveal layers of history, while its modern industries drive economic growth. Chennai offers a rich blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal life. Its Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, is a popular gathering place.

Quick Facts about Chennai
Population:
4,646,732 (city, 2011 census)
Country:
India
Region:
South Asia

Recommended Geography Resources

Want to explore where Chennaites live? Here's the atlas that does it best:

National Geographic Atlas of the World

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Etymology of the Chennai Demonym

Traditionally linked to Chennappa Nayaka, a 17th-century local leader. Formerly known as Madras until 1996. The demonym is 'Chennaite'.

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