The ShodaiManda's name comes from shodai (初代?), meaning first generation, and Manda, which comes from Manda's Japanese name, Manda (マンダ?).
Detail
ShodaiManda is clearly based on Chinese dragons, as it has a scaly puppet with hair all through its back, two whiskers, four horns on its head, fairly long snout, reptilian pupils, four short legs with small claws, and a long serpent-like body. The suit also has fangs and a reptile-like underbody.