Sometimes New York City nicknames feel as unique as the city itself. I’m fortunate enough to call this incredible city home, so I took it upon myself to collect the most popular NYC nicknames and decipher the meaning behind them. If you find yourself curious about the most common New York City nicknames (and their origins) allow me to share this quick list. I hope you find it helpful!
Popular New York City Nicknames
(Table of Contents)
NYC Nicknames (Table of Contents)
#1. Why is New York City Called The Big Apple?
New York City is affectionately known as “The Big Apple,” a nickname with an interesting history. The term was popularized in the 1920s by John J. Fitz Gerald, a sports writer for the New York Morning Telegraph.
He frequently used the phrase in his horse racing columns. However, the phrase originally traced back to the 19th century, where it was used in various contexts. Its association with New York City intensified in the 1920s and 1930s, particularly in the jazz scene, where musicians referred to playing in New York as “playing in the Big Apple,” implying it was the big time.
The nickname gained further popularity in the 1970s through a successful ad campaign by the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau, aiming to boost the city’s image. Thus, “The Big Apple” became the most popular nickname in New York City.
#2. The City That Never Sleeps
Another popular NYC nickname is The City That Never Sleeps. This nickname first appeared in 1912 in a Fort Wayne News article but didn’t gain traction until a famous song titled “Theme from New York, New York” came out in 1977.
There’s a chance you’ve heard of Frank Sinatra’s version of the song, but did you know it was originally written for (and performed by) Liza Minnelli? Yep, it was made for her character in Martin Scorsese’s film called New York, New York (1977).
To this day, the Theme from New York, New York is one of the most popular songs about NYC. Even more impressive, the part about waking up in a city that never sleeps resulted in one of the most famous nicknames from New York City.
I want to wake up in a city
That never sleeps
And find I’m king of the hill
Top of the heap
#3. The Empire State
This notable New York City nickname is hotly debated by puzzled historians to this day. The moniker is attributed to the state’s wealth and variety of resources, suggesting its vastness and potential power comparable to an empire. George Washington is said to have famously referred to New York State as “the seat of the Empire” in a letter.
Some historians attribute this nickname to a newspaper article published in 1836, wherein New York City is referred to as “the Empire City of the New World” due to its impressive population. The term gained even more prominence with the construction of the Empire State Building, which stood as the world’s tallest building when completed in 1931.
Regardless how this popular NYC moniker was coined, one thing is certain, it’s here to stay.
#4. Gotham City
At first glance, it’s easy to assume that this popular NYC nickname comes from the beloved Batman comics, but the nickname actually predates the comic.
New York City’s nickname “Gotham” dates back to the early 19th century, when Washington Irving, a famous American author, first used the term in his satirical periodical, Salmagundi. Irving borrowed “Gotham” from the name of a village in England, which, according to folklore, was inhabited by simpletons.
The villagers of Gotham, England, feigned madness to avoid a royal visit, which in turn inspired Irving to use the name as a playful reference to New York City’s residents. Over time, “Gotham” evolved in popular culture to symbolize the city’s complexity, mystique, and sometimes inscrutable character.
The term gained further popularity and a new dimension in the 20th century when it was used as the fictional home of Batman in DC Comics, where it represented a large, bustling, and somewhat dark metropolis, mirroring many aspects of New York City.
#5. Knickerbocker
This popular New York City nickname had a rather comical start. It was coined by early Dutch settlers who came to the New World (specifically New York City) and wore a style of pant that rolled up just below the knee. These pants were called “knickerbockers” or “knickers” for short.
But here’s the kicker, you know who’s responsible for this nickname? The very man behind “Gotham City.” I’m serious, Washington Irving is responsible for this popular New York City nickname too.
This nickname didn’t start taking off until 1809 when Irving wrote a satirical book under the pseudonym Knickerbocker. The book referred to “Knickerbockers” as New Yorkers that could trace their ancestry to original Dutch settlers.
Soon after, regardless of ancestry, it was nearly impossible to separate New York City from the nickname. In fact, one of the city’s professional basketball teams is called the New York Knicks (short for Knickerbockers).
#6. The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot is one of the least common New York City nicknames, but it’s worth knowing about. It’s attributed to the rich cultural and ethnic diversity in NYC.
On any given day you’re likely to hear a language you’ve never heard before simply walking the streets because there are more than 200 languages spoken in NYC. Some folks say there are more than 800 languages, but I wasn’t able to find evidence to support that.
Did you know? More than 37% of New Yorkers are born outside the the United States. In fact, 4 out of 10 New York City households (nearly half) speak a language other than English.
#7. New Amsterdam
New York City’s nickname “New Amsterdam” harks back to its early history when it was a Dutch settlement. In 1624, the Dutch West India Company established a fort at the southern tip of Manhattan Island, naming it New Amsterdam, in honor of the capital city of the Netherlands.
This Dutch colony served as the capital of New Netherland, a larger territory that extended along parts of the present-day Northeastern United States. The Dutch influence was prominent in the area’s early development, particularly in terms of its layout, architecture, and place names.
In 1664, the English seized control and renamed the city New York, after the Duke of York. However, the nickname “New Amsterdam” endures as a reminder of New York City’s Dutch origins and its significant history as a bustling colonial outpost.
#8. America’s City
New York City is also called America’s City because it’s the most populous city in the country. Home to more than 8.5 million residents, 1 in every 38 people living in America live in New York City. To put it another way, New York City has a higher population than 40 states.
New York City is sometimes (rarely, actually) called “America’s City,” a nickname that reflects its status as a microcosm of the United States. There’s no denying that NYC has a significant impact on the nation’s culture, economy, and history.
This title underscores NYC’s role as a melting pot of diverse cultures and ethnicities, mirroring the broader American experience of diversity and immigration. As a global financial hub, home to Wall Street and numerous multinational corporations, the city significantly influences the national and global economy.
Additionally, NYC’s landmarks like the Statue of Liberty symbolize American ideals of freedom and opportunity. The city’s prominence in movies and the arts further cements its status as a cultural epicenter. This New York City nickname captures the essence of the American spirit and way of life.
List of Popular New York City Nicknames (Post Summary)
- The Big Apple
- The City That Never Sleeps
- The Empire City & Empire State
- Gotham
- Knickerbocker
- The Melting Pot
- New Amsterdam
- America’s City
I hope you enjoyed this quick roundup of the most common NYC nicknames. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below.
Cheers!
Hip hop industry and underground music calls NYC “The Mecca”
This is interesting! I haven’t heard NYC referred to as the Mecca, good to know!