• The name originated from the Hokkien term zhap pueh keng.
• It is believed that the name came about as there were 18 shophouses along Boat Quay in the early days. “十八” means “18”, while “间” is a classifier used when referring to shops.
• Boat Quay is also colloquially known as “十三行”, “吊船码头”, “水厝尾” and “十八溪墘”. Among these, “十八溪墘” is more commonly used, with “溪墘” meaning “riverside” in Hokkien and Teochew

The north bank of the Singapore River was the government administrative area, colloquially known as “海关前”, where City Hall and other buildings were located. The south bank was the commercial area, colloquially known as “十八溪墘” or “十八间”, which is believed to be named after the 18 companies that used to operate there. (Lianhe Zaobao, 24/8/2015)

• Another colloquial name of Boat Quay, “十三行” (“13 companies”), came about from the 13 companies operating there in the early days.
• Circular Road, located behind Boat Quay, is colloquially known as “十八间后” (“behind the 18 shophouses”).