Kashipur was known as Govishan during the time of harsha (606-647 AD), when Yuan-Chwang (631-641 AD) visited this region. The ruins of the large settlement of those days are still to be seen near the city. Kashipur is named after Kashinath Adhikari, the founder of the township and one of the officers of the Chand rulers of Kumaon in the middle age.