Ever thought about how your town got its name?

Who's Asbury Park named after? What town name translates into something in Italian? Which Monmouth County town was named after a president?

What does Manalapan mean? Or Manasquan? Why is Ocean Township named so when it's landlocked?

There are 53 towns in Monmouth County. The story behind how they got their names weaves into a greater narrative about the history of the Jersey Shore, one that goes back to before American independence.



We've put it all together for you in one quintessential guide to the history behind Monmouth County town names, including yours. Let's get started with the county itself, then check out our alphabetized guide to all of our towns below.

MONMOUTH COUNTY, 1683

The county, which until 1850 included almost all of present-day Ocean County, became a crown possession after the English seized control of the region from the Dutch in 1664.



The land was titled the "Monmouth Tract" for reasons that are disputed. The simplest explanation is that the area was named after the county seat in Monmouthshire, Wales.

The other explanation...and the beheading

However, competing official explanations are that the tract was named after either the Rhode Island Monmouth Society or for James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth and illegitimate son of King Charles II.



After the death of his father, the duke attempted to lead a coup in 1685 against his Roman Catholic uncle, who inherited the throne as King James II. It didn't go well.



The rebellion was crushed and the king had his nephew's head chopped off.

Now, check out our alphabetized guide to how your Monmouth County town got its name.

More:NJ history: These Monmouth and Ocean County towns used to have other names

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And don't forget to check back at APP.com in the coming weeks to learn how your Ocean County town got its name. Better yet, subscribe today.