The island was also known as Pulau Penyabung (formerly Pulau Penyabong) - island for deadly duels[2] - with legends of it being a pirate-infested area.

Pulau Tekukor is believed to be named after the spotted-neck dove - Tekukur (as it is spelt today).

Other sources believe its name originated from the Malay proverb "padang jarak padang tekukor" - which is reported to translate to "open field devastated in aftermath of war" due to the island's barren nature.

At the time, the island was uninhabited due to the lack of tree growth, and the hillocks were barren except for small undergrowth.

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