It was originally a people's temple. The locals called it "Wat Samo Kraeng" because many Samo-Rong-Raeng trees grew there. Some suggest that "Samo" is a variation of the word "Thamo" (stone). The temple was probably originally called "Thamo Kraeng," meaning "hard stone." His Royal Highness Prince Maha Sura Singhanat, the Prince of the Front Palace under King Rama I, had it renovated. Later, His Royal Highness Prince Sampanthawong Ther Prince Pitakmontri, the son of Queen Srisudarat, the elder sister of King Rama I (the progenitor of the Montrikul Dynasty), continued the renovation. His patron was His Royal Highness Prince Kunchorn, the son of King Phutthaloetla Naphalai, King Rama II (the progenitor of the Kunchorn Dynasty). After his death, his son, His Royal Highness Prince Singhanat Ratchadurongkrit, assumed patronage. The temple was subsequently supported by the descendants of the Kunchorn family. Under King Rama IV, it was elevated to a royal temple and renamed Wat Thewarat Kunchorn. The word "Thewarat," meaning "Indra," was placed before the name of Prince Kunchorn, which means "elephant." Thus, the name translates to "Indra's Elephant." Today, the temple is registered by the Bureau of Fine Arts as a significant historical monument.