Naghalin was Asturias' original name, possibly derived from the native Cebuano word lalin, which refers to settlers who have traveled great distances. The word "Naghalin," according to other authorities, is a mispronunciation of the Cebuano word "naghaling," which means "making fire" in advance of cooking. This claim is supported by the old name of a nearby municipality, "Bagacawa" (now known as Tuburan), which derives from the Cebuano baga (ember) and kawa and means "fiery cauldron" (cauldron).