How NYC Neighborhoods Got Their Names
New York City is full of neighborhoods with names that sound familiar but have surprising stories behind them. From SoHo and Tribeca to Harlem and DUMBO, each one tells a piece of the city’s history. Knowing where those names come from gives you a new appreciation for how New York grew into the world’s most famous city.
SoHo and NoHo
These are two of the most recognizable names in Manhattan; and they’re actually shorthand. SoHo stands for “South of Houston Street,” and NoHo means “North of Houston Street.” In the 1960s and 70s, artists moved into old industrial lofts here, and the names caught on as the neighborhoods transformed into cultural hubs.
Tribeca
Tribeca’s name also comes from geography; it’s short for “Triangle Below Canal Street.” Once a warehouse district, Tribeca is now known for its cobblestone streets, luxury lofts, and the famous Tribeca Film Festival.
DUMBO
Over in Brooklyn, DUMBO might sound playful, but it stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.” Once filled with factories and shipping docks, it’s now home to galleries, waterfront parks, and some of the best skyline views in the city.
Harlem
Harlem’s name dates back to the 1600s, when Dutch settlers named it after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands. It later became a cultural epicenter, especially during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s; a period that helped shape art, music, and identity across America.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg got its name from Colonel Jonathan Williams, who surveyed the area in the early 1800s. Once a working class neighborhood, it has evolved into one of Brooklyn’s most creative and trend-setting communities.
Astoria
Named after John Jacob Astor, America’s first multi-millionaire, even though he never actually lived there. The name was chosen to attract investment, and it worked. Today, Astoria remains one of the most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods in Queens.
Final Word
Every NYC neighborhood name tells a story of people, history, and transformation. Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of Tribeca or the brownstones of Harlem, these names remind us that New York is always evolving, one block at a time.
Ready to explore the city’s neighborhoods for yourself?
Contact The Parviz Team at Compass to find your place in one of New York’s most storied communities.
