The Native American Lenape tribe (who inhabited New York City before the Europeans) called it both Aquehonga Manacknong and Eghquaons.

When the Dutch -- the first Europeans to settle in New York City -- arrived, they named it Staaten Eylandt, after the Staten Generaal, the Dutch Parliament. That literally translates to, "State's Island."

In 1683, after the English had taken control of New York City, it was renamed Richmond County (a name that comes from the title of the illegitimate son of King Charles II of England).

When it became part of New York City in 1898 (the year the five boroughs consolidated into one city), it was the borough of Richmond until 1975, when it was renamed the borough of Staten Island. It is still called Richmond County in state government, however.