Origin of our name
New York was originally called New Netherlands, when the Dutch owned it. After England took over it was changed to New York, in honor of the Duke of York and Albany, England.
Why was it originally founded?
The reason New York was originally settled was to trade with local Native Americans. It was origanally founded by the Dutch. But, later on, England came in and the Dutch surenedered New Netherlands, what the colony was originally called before England took it. After gaining control, England changed the name to New York to honor the Duke of York. They then continued the trading with the Native Americans.