Zeylan is a unique word that often refers to the island nation of Sri Lanka. Synonyms for Zeylan include Ceylon, Serendib, Taprobane, and Lanka. Ceylon was used by the British as the official name for the country during the colonial era. Serendib is an old Arabic name for the island and is also the source of the English word "serendipity". Taprobane is the Greek name for Sri Lanka used in ancient times, while Lanka is a Sanskrit name for the country. These synonyms not only provide alternative names for Sri Lanka but also give insight into its historic and cultural significance.