[3] The Mauryan emperor Ashoka inscribed his message at Jaugada near the banks of the Rushikulya, in the present-day Ganjam district.

Some scholars believe the word evolved from this ancient name while others suggest the name of the region likely derives from the Persian word "Ganj", meaning 'granary' or 'market' thus signifying the importance of historical ports and being the respective center of trade and commerce.

The Urban Local Bodies are • Municipal Corporation: Brahmapur • Municipality : Hinjilicut, Asika, Chhatrapur, Bhanjanagar • Notified Area Council's : Surada, Belaguntha, Buguda, Polasara, Gopalpur, Ganjam, Rambha, Kabisuryanagar, Khallikot, Purusottampur, Kodala, Digapahandi, Chikiti, Sheragada, Kukudakhandi etc.

•Small Urban Area's: Dharakot, Sanakhemundi(Patapur)B.D.Pur, Jagannath Prasad, Badagada, Balipadar, Babanpur, Mundamarai, Patrapur, Humma.

An important contributor to the local economy is production of extracts from Ganjam Kewda Rooh, which are used in perfumery.

Port at Gopalpur and nearby industries cater economic activities of the district and Odisha state.

[10] According to the 2011 census Ganjam district has a population of 3,529,031,[2] roughly equal to the nation of Lithuania[13] or the US state of Connecticut.