Kowloon is so named after the peaks to the North.  Legend has it that centuries ago a conquering warlord asked of his chancellor what should be the name of the mountain range they were facing.  Ever wary of his Lord's wrath the chancellor suggested "Gau Loong" or Nine Dragons.  The Lord thought about this and said "but there are only eight, can't you count?"  To which the chancellor replied "yes my lord but whilst there are eight dragons to the North I am certain I am standing in front of one now!"