Olivia Fisher 
The Jersey Shore is full of Victorian architecture, casinos, and pop culture legends. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, those who flock to these towns look to escape the heat, tan in the sun, and walk the boardwalks. Whether you’re a local, a Benny, or a Shoobie, the origin and meaning behind the shore towns might be a mystery to you. Here at The Jersey Shore Girl, we have researched for you. Read on to learn the history behind Jersey Shore town names and maybe even your hometown or vacation spot.
Asbury Park
The Asbury Park music scene may have put the town on the map for many, but its history goes way back to the late 19th century, when it emerged as a dry town beach resort. Asbury Park is named for Francis Asbury, a notable Methodist and one of the first two bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States. Town developer James A. Bradley had a relationship with the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association and desired to develop the land around this settlement. In 1871, he acquired 500 acres, and Asbury Park was born. James became the community’s first postmaster, created its first newspaper, began its sewage system, and later became the first mayor.
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Atlantic City
In a way, Atlantic City, like Atlantic County, was named after the bordering Atlantic Ocean. The name may also stem from the Camden and Atlantic Railroad, which ran from Camden across the state to Atlantic City. Richard B. Osborne designed the city layout and proposed the name. Atlantic City features a multitude of famous events and notable pieces of pop culture. Known as the “Las Vegas of the East Coast,” the city inspired the board game Monopoly, is home to one of the first boardwalks ever, and has the tallest lighthouse in the state. The Miss America beauty pageant also started here over a century ago.
Avon-by-the-Sea
Avon-by-the-Sea was named after Avon, England, or for the Avon Inn, which was built in town in 1883. Located in Monmouth County, this town borders Belmar, Bradley Beach, Neptune City, and Neptune Township.
Belmar
In 1885, what is now Belmar was originally incorporated as Ocean Beach. By April 1889, it became Elcho, and almost a month later, it was renamed Belmar. The current name means “beautiful sea” in Italian. Belmar is also where the first Playa Bowls opened.
Bradley Beach
Like Asbury Park, just a few miles north, Bradley Beach was also developed by James A. Bradley, its namesake. In 1871, James acquired 54 acres of land, and the area was informally known as Ocean Park. In 1893, residents appealed to the state legislature and incorporated their community as Bradley Beach. In 1929, this became the first place in the United States to charge people for beach access. Starting in the 1920s, Bradley Beach became a popular destination for Chinese families from Manhattan’s Chinatown. In 1941, Lee Ng Shee purchased a home for $2,000 and became the first Chinese homeowner in Bradley Beach. After Lee, more visitors from Chinatown became owners in the area, and her legacy is still present today. Lee’s grandson, John Mok, is a permanent resident on the same street as his grandmother, spending his time year-round down the shore.
Cape May
The city of Cape May was named after Cape May and Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey. He explored and charted the area between 1611 and 1614, establishing a claim for New Netherland. Cape May Point and West Cape May share the same namesake.
Lake Como
Lake Como was named after Lake Como, which borders the towns of Belmar and Spring Lake. Both the lake and town are named for Lake Como in Italy. Before the name changed in 2005, it was South Belmar.
Lavallette
Lavallette was named after Elie A. F. La Vallette, the father of Albert T. Lavallette, who co-founded the borough. Elie was a military officer who served in the United States Navy from 1812 to 1862.
Long Branch
Long Branch was named for its location along a branch of the South Shrewsbury River. It has been a popular destination spot for presidents, including Chester A. Arthur, James A. Garfield, Ulysses S. Grant, Benjamin Harrison, Rutherford B. Hayes, William McKinley, and Woodrow Wilson.
Manasquan
Manasquan’s name is derived from the Lenape “Mënàskunk” meaning “place to gather grass or reeds.” Manasquan, Maniquan, Mannisquan, Manasquam, Squan, and Squan Village are variations on the original pronunciation and spelling.
Mantoloking
Mantoloking was incorporated in 1911. The name is derived from Lenape, meaning “frog ground” or “sand place.” It is one of the Jersey Shore’s many dry towns.
Neptune
Neptune was named for the Roman water deity, Neptune. Ocean Grove, a notable beach community, is located within Neptune. It is named for the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, which incorporated the community after the land was purchased in 1871.
Ocean City
Ocean City was originally Peck’s Island and was used as a whaling outpost by John Peck. In 1879, Methodist ministers — Ezra B. Lake, James Lake, S. Wesley Lake, and William Burrell — selected the island as a spot to establish a Christian retreat. They selected the name Ocean City and incorporated the Ocean City Association, laying out streets and lots for cottages, hotels, and businesses.
Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant gets its name from Point Pleasant Beach, which gets its name from its location at the northern end of the Barnegat Peninsula.
Sea Girt
In 1853, Robert F. Stockton purchased a property in Monmouth County, calling it “Sea Girt.” Robert was a member of the Stockton family and was born at the Morven estate in Princeton. In 1875, developers purchased the estate, which led to Sea Girt being chosen as the name when the borough was established in 1917.
See More: The History Behind Essex County Town Names
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