The Historical Naming of New Amsterdam: An Exploration of Etymology and Colonial Practice

In the colonial era, the practice of naming a settlement after a city or town in the mother country was widespread, with the addition of the word 'New' often used to differentiate between the colony and its European homeland. This article delves into the origins behind why New Amsterdam was named as such, rather than opting for the moniker 'New Netherlands', and explores the etymological connections between the terms 'New' and 'Nether.'

Colonial Naming Conventions

The practice during the colonial period was to name a new settlement in relation to a city or town in the mother country, often with modifications to indicate that the colony was a new version of the original. The term 'New' was frequently used to establish a clear distinction between the colonial settlement and its European namesake. For example, Jamestown, Virginia, was named in honor of the English city of Jamestown, London.

The naming of New Amsterdam is a prime example of this practice. New Amsterdam was a Dutch colonial settlement, named after the Dutch capital city of Amsterdam. This was in keeping with the traditional practice of naming new settlements after familiar places in the mother country. It was the primary settlement of a larger region called New Netherlands, which comprised parts of modern-day New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, and New Jersey.

Linguistic Observations

There is no straightforward linguistic connection between the words 'New' and 'Nether'. The term 'Netherlands' in Dutch literally means 'low lands' or 'low country', derived from the Dutch word 'neder', which means 'low'. The word 'Nieuw', meaning 'new' in Dutch, does not have an etymological connection to 'neder'.

It is important to note that the naming of New Amsterdam was done in the Dutch language, the native tongue of the Dutch settlers. When the English took over the Dutch colonies, they changed many names. For instance, New Amsterdam was renamed New York, which has its own unique history and etymology.

Geographical Context

The geographical context of the 'Netherlands' and 'Nether' also adds to the misconception. Both the Netherlands and the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, are indeed below sea level. The Netherlands has an average elevation of 26 meters above sea level, while Amsterdam lies at sea level. This unique geographical feature contributes to the confusion but does not explain the naming of New Amsterdam.

Conclusion

In summary, New Amsterdam was named New Amsterdam because it was a new settlement under the Dutch flag, named after their capital city. The term 'Netherlands' is a separate geographical term, with 'Nieder' meaning 'low'. The naming was done in the Dutch language, and the English takeover led to the renaming of many Dutch settlements, including New Amsterdam to New York.

The exploration of colonial naming practices, such as that of New Amsterdam, underscores the importance of understanding historical and linguistic context in accurately interpreting place names and their significance.