This Historic New York Nickname Was Coined By This New York Author

Each and every state in the United States of America has a well known nickname, or several nicknames. The Lone Star state in Texas, the Bay State in Massachusetts, the Empire State here in the great state of New York. While the state itself may end up branding itself with a more flattering nickname there are some that have existed for years.

For instance the name "knickerbocker" has been used to describe those in New York since the early 1800s. It was first used by an author who was known for creating one of the greatest spooky stories of all time, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." That author would call New York his home until his death at the age of 76 in 1859.

Washington Irving

That's right, Washington Irving is the man behind the name knickerbocker, which first appeared in 1809 in his book, "A History of New York." That book is a humorous take on the Dutch settling of New York that he wrote under a pen name, Diedrich Knickerbocker. The book tells you all about "New Netherlands" and its ties to the Dutch history of our state.

Now, Irving, actually created the name as a way to mock the Dutch, but it was instead embraced by the people of New York State. They even believe that the name was inspired by the Knickbackers who resided in Schagticoke, New York. He obviously changed the the spelling.

Read More: Sleepy Hollow Football Team Makes Spooky Epic Entrance

Knickerbocker also happens to be the name for "small clothes" which was also a way for Irving to make fun of the size of the Dutch people's pants. I think that humor was a tad but different back in the day.

Now here we are in 2025 and for years we've had various things named after the famous name. The New York Knicks? That would be short for Knickerbockers. Residents of the Capital Region will remember "The Knick" or Knickerbocker Arena, now MVP arena in Downtown Albany.

The next time you're out of town watching the Knicks or someone asks about this name you can now tell them who created it.