Why is the city Buffalo named after an animal?

It is said that the city of Buffalo got its name from the creek that it is built around. But the question is then, why was the creek ... are words used by the French to describe the creek. The last possibility for the name of Buffalo is suggested by the actual animal, the bison, roaming the parts of Western New York. read more

The city of Buffalo received its name from a nearby creek called Buffalo Creek. British military engineer Captain John Montresor made reference to 'Buffalo Creek' in his journal of 1764, which may be the earliest recorded appearance of the name. There are several theories regarding how Buffalo Creek received its name. read more

Whether after the animal, the Indian, myths, earlier settlements, or French or Indian words, Buffalo continued to be the name, despite the fact that the Dutch owners dubbed the city "New Amsterdam" in 1800. read more

It is said that the city of Buffalo, New York, is named after the creek that flows through it -- Buffalo Creek. The origin of the Creek's name is unknown, although there are several hypotheses. The American Bison (Buffalo) was native to this part of North America in the 1700's, but there seems to be no evidence the animal was particularly abundant in the immediate vicinity of the creek. read more