The Bronx

The Van Cortlandt House in the Bronx sits on land once owned by the prominent, Dutch Van Cortlandt family

The northernmost of all New York boroughs takes its name from a Swedish sea captain turned farmer, Jonas Bronck. Bronck purchased land and built a farmstead at what is now 132nd Street and Lincoln Avenue in 1639, according to the Bronx County Historical Society. The English turned Bronck into Bronx.

Another Dutch name attached to the Bronx is Van Cortlandt. The park, which is one of the largest parks in New York City. takes its name from a wealthy Dutch family who owned the land since the early 1600s.

Next, check out How 10 Famous NYC Buildings Got Their Names

1 2 3 4 5