Adopted 31 March 1924 on 93M/5 as listed in 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, and 1915 Gazetteers and as labeled on Reference Map 1H "BC, Northern" (1917). In lieu of original paperwork this name was reconfirmed 1 March 1938. May have previously appeared as Kispiooks River (Morice Map 1907), Kispyox River, or Collins River (maps/dates not cited). "Kispiox River (not Collins River)" identified in the in 1930 BC Gazetteer. Likely named in association with Kispoix (Community).

Source: BC place name cards & correspondence, and/or research by BC Chief Geographer & Geographical Names Office staff.

See Kispiox (community) for more information on the name origin.

Source: BC place name cards & correspondence, and/or research by BC Chief Geographer & Geographical Names Office staff.

Kispoix is recorded as being named after an Indigenous name that is listed as translating to "place of ancestor Piyeoux."

Source: BC place name cards & correspondence, and/or research by BC Chief Geographer & Geographical Names Office staff.

Recorded that "Ks-we-loab-et" is the Kispiox name for the Kispoix River (file not cited; L.I. 5/12/74).

Source: BC place name cards & correspondence, and/or research by BC Chief Geographer & Geographical Names Office staff.