The toponym "Camboriú" is a reference to the Camboriú River. The name originates from the Tupi language, meaning "river of the common snook", from kamuri (snook) and 'y (river). Another hypothesis is that the indigenous origin was inspired by the relief of the Pedra Branca, a hill that resembles a female breast and is visible from several points in the municipality. According to Patrianova, in Pequeno Livro, Cambu means "to nurse", and Ryry, Ruru or Riú means nursing container, i.e. breast.
^"Divisão Territorial do Brasil" (in Portuguese). Divisão Territorial do Brasil e Limites Territoriais, Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). July 1, 2008. Archived from the original on June 14, 2020. Retrieved December 17, 2009.
