Singapore

The name of the city-state derives from two Sanskrit words: simha (lion) and pura (city).

An excerpt from the article 33 facts about Singapore
According to Malay legend, the Prince of Sumatra visited the island of Temasek. While seeking shelter from a storm, he encountered a lion, which he took as a good omen, and founded Singapore. Since lions have never been found in Singapore, he probably saw a Malayan tiger.