Ah, New York – the city that never sleeps, where dreams are made up and where there’s always something going on. But have you ever wondered how this beloved city got its name? Was it named after a really big apple or maybe even after a Yorkie? Well, we’re here to tell you the real story.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
The Dutch Connection
New York was founded in 1624 by the Dutch West India Company and was dubbed New Amsterdam. Named after the city of Amsterdam, it was part of the colony of New Netherland.
But in 1664, the English pushed the Dutch out of New Amsterdam. Then, they renamed the town New York, after the Duke of York (who later became King James II of England). We’ve all got royal blood, more or less.
A Royal Renaming
So, who was this Duke of York guy, and why did he get a city named after him? Well, the Duke of York was the younger brother of King Charles II of England, and he was given the land that would eventually become New York as a gift from his brother.
When the English took over New Amsterdam, the Duke of York decided to rename the city in honor of himself (because why not?).
The New York Legacy Lives On
So, that’s how New York got its name.
While it may not have been as exciting as being named after a really big apple or a cute little dog, the name has certainly stuck around.
The city has gone through many changes since it was first founded by the Dutch, but one thing has always remained the same: the spirit of New York. From the skyscrapers to the hot dogs on the street, this city has a personality all its own.
So the next time you’re walking through Times Square or watching the sunset over the Hudson River, take a moment to appreciate the history behind the name of this amazing city.
Who knows, maybe one day in the distant future, people will be wondering how their city got its name, and they’ll be talking about you…
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