How South Jersey’s Beach Towns Got Their Names
Every summer, millions of people visit South Jersey’s beaches, but few stop to wonder how these iconic shore towns got their names. Except for our follower James, who wanted to know the history of these town names.
While some are exactly what you’d expect, others trace their origins to Dutch explorers, English seaside resorts, and even Arthurian legend.
How South Jersey’s Beach Towns Got Their Names
Cape May is the oldest seaside resort in the United States, and its name dates back to the early 1600s. It honors Dutch explorer and sea captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey, who helped chart the region. Over time, the spelling evolved from “Mey” to “May.”
Just a few miles north, Wildwood earned its name from the dense forests that once covered the island. Before hotels, boardwalks, and amusement rides, the area was filled with holly, cedar, and oak trees, making “Wildwood” a fitting description.
North Wildwood has a unique history of its own. The city was originally made up of several separate communities, including Anglesea, before eventually joining together. As the Wildwoods grew into one of New Jersey’s most recognizable destinations, the northern section adopted the name North Wildwood.
At the southern end of the island, Wildwood Crest takes its name from its location at the “crest,” or southern tip, of the Wildwoods.
Also See: South Jersey Had Its Own Tea Party… And Almost Nobody Knows About It
Some names are more straightforward. Ocean City was named simply because of its location along the Atlantic Ocean. Founded as a family-friendly Christian resort, the community embraced a name that reflected both its setting and its aspirations.
Sea Isle City was developed in the late 1800s by Charles K. Landis, who wanted the resort to evoke the charm of fashionable seaside destinations. The name was reportedly inspired by England’s Isle of Wight.
Perhaps the most legendary name belongs to Avalon. Rather than being named after a person or landmark, Avalon takes its name from the mythical island featured in the legends of King Arthur, giving the borough an elegant identity that continues today.
Further north, Stone Harbor is named after an English sea captain, Captain Stone, who sought shelter from a storm in the area.
Finally, Strathmere combines two traditional words: “strath,” a Scottish term for a broad valley, and “mere,” meaning sea or lake. Together, they create a distinctive coastal name that has endured for generations.
Thanks James for the question as I got to learn a ton with this one!
Whether inspired by history, geography, or mythology, South Jersey’s beach towns each have a story behind their name. The next time you visit your favorite shore destination, you’ll know there’s much more to its name than what appears on the welcome sign.