A Traveler’s Guide to Dutch Named Places in the USA

Did you know many American towns carry Dutch names? From New York’s origins as New Amsterdam to Holland, Michigan, explore how Dutch heritage shaped the U.S. map and culture!

Places in the city of New York

Brooklyn – named after Breukelen
Brooklyn, one of New York City’s most iconic boroughs, traces its name to Breukelen, a quaint village in the Netherlands. Dutch people named it after their homeland’s Breukelen, reflecting their roots and the deep connection to their culture. The Dutch influence remains a fascinating layer of Brooklyn’s rich history, linking its bustling urban life to the pastoral charm of the Netherlands.

Harlem – named after Haarlem
Harlem, a vibrant neighborhood in New York City, owes its name to Haarlem, a historic city in the Netherlands. It is named it after the picturesque Dutch city known for its canals, tulip fields, and artistic heritage. This connection reflects the enduring cultural and historical ties between the two locations, with Harlem carrying forward the legacy of its namesake in its own unique way.

Flushing – named after Vlissingen
Flushing, a neighborhood in Queens, New York, takes its name from Vlissingen, a coastal city in the Netherlands. The name reflects a cultural connection to the Dutch maritime town, renowned for its harbors and vibrant history. While Flushing has grown into a bustling urban hub, its Dutch-inspired name serves as a reminder of the ties between the two places, linking modern-day Queens to a historic European port city.

Places in Albany in the county New York

  • Rotterdam is named after Rotterdam, a major port city in the Netherlands
  • Beverwyck in Albany is named after ‘Beverwijk’ in the province North-Holland

Places in the country New York

  • Amsterdam has the same name as the capital in the Netherlands
  • Barneveld is named after ‘Barneveld’ in the province Gelderland

Places in Minnesota

  • Friesland is named after the province Friesland
  • Groningen is named after the province Groningen
  • Delft is named after Delft in the province South-Holland

Places in Missouri

  • Amsterdam has the same name as the capital of the Netherlands

Places in Iowa

  • Breda has the same name as Breda in the province North-Brabant

Places in Texas

  • Harlingen is named after Harlingen in the province Friesland

Places in Lousiana

  • Zwolle is named after the city Zwolle in the province Overijssel

Places in Ohio

  • Amsterdam has the same name as the capital of the Netherlands

Places in Wisconsin

  • Barneveld is named after Barneveld in the province Gelderland