Bergen County, New Jersey, derives its name from Bergen, a city in the Netherlands. This etymological link reflects the region’s early Dutch colonial heritage and the significant influence of Dutch settlers in its initial development.
The naming signifies more than a mere geographical connection. It represents a deliberate act of cultural transference, embedding the memory of the settlers’ homeland into the new landscape. This decision helped establish a sense of identity and continuity for the European colonists amidst a vastly different environment. This connection to its namesake is a tangible reminder of the historical forces that shaped the county’s early growth and character.
