During personal discussions with yours truly and two prominent personalities of Kaniyapuram, Late Alikunju Sastry, ex-MLA and Late Advocate Izzuddin; they had stated that the name "Kaniyapuram" might have been derived from "Kaniyan Puram - the place of Kaniyans / astrologists" or "KANIYAR Puram - the place of KANIYARS - the proponents of Kaniyar Kali , a temple art form" or "Ganika Puram (the place of Ganikas - the courtesans")

The LEBBAS are amongst the very prominent clan of Kaniyapuram. According to documented history, the Lebbas migrated from TAMILNADU in the early 1650s to Kerala. It is believed that they have established in Kaniyapuram as early as 1650s and established themselves as traders in Kaniyapuram. They were successful merchants and operated almost all the business in Kaniyapuram until recent times.^[2]

The Lebbas' main contribution to the Kaniyapuram society is the establishment of The Muslim High School, Kaniyapuram. The school was founded by late S Ahmed Kunju Lebba in 1947. The school had played a major role in the educational and social development of the area. Students from far away places such as Chirayinkil, Perumathura, Kazhakkoottam, Pothencode etc.....​