History of North America

What is the origin of name Manhattan?

The name "Manhattan" is believed to originate from the Munsee Lenape term "manahtaan," which has been variously translated as "island of many hills," "place where we get wood for bows," "place of inebriation" or "place for gathering." The name was first recorded in 1609 by the English explorer Henry Hudson, who encountered the Lenape people during his exploration of the region.