where did new york get it's name?
New York got its name from the Duke of York, who gained control of the land in the 17th century. Originally it was called New Amsterdam by the Dutch settlers but when control of this area was taken over by English, its name was also changed to New York, to honor the Duke of York. There is an Old York (or just York) back in England. New York was named for the Duke of York, later King James II of England.