Chettiar is a caste derived from a root word Etti. Etti was the name of a flower. The Tamil kings garlanded leading traders with Etti flowers. Thus Ettiyaar became Chettiar. They have others names like Chetty, Chetti, Setty, Chitty and Shettigar. The most prominent Chettiars in Tamil Nadu are the Nattukottai Chettiars, who originated from the Nattukottai region. The Chettiars are active in the food business, agriculture, commerce and spices trading.