"Kitsumgallum Lake" adopted in the 18th Report of the Geographic Board of Canada, 31 March 1924; re-approved 4 November 1948 on 103NE. Spelling changed to "Kitsumkalum Lake" 4 February 1949 on 103NE; confirmed 2 June 1950 on 103I/10 and 4 October 1951 on 103I.

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

"The word Kitsum-Kaylum is an anglicized form of the ancient Indigenous name of Kitsum’Alum, Kitsum of course meaning 'the people' and ‘Alum, 'dwellers on the edge of the Cliff.'" From correspondance with local historian in preperation of a new edition of 103 NE, 1948.

Source: BC place name cards, files, correspondence and/or research by BC Chief Geographer/Geographical Names Office, file P.1.48, L.I. 11 December, 1948.

Labelled "Kilumtah Lake" on Trutch's 1871 map of BC

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

Spelling variations listed in the 18th Report of Canada are "Kit-sum-kay-lum" and "Kitsumgalum." 1930 Gazetteer of Canada defines "Kitsumgallum" as "people on the upper part of the river."

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