Houston Street in New York City is named after William Houstoun, a prominent Georgian statesman and delegate to the Continental Congress in the late 18th century.
It is important to note the distinct origin and pronunciation of New York City's Houston Street compared to the city of Houston in Texas. Despite the identical spelling, they are named after different individuals and pronounced differently, leading to common confusion for visitors and residents alike.
The Origin of the Name
The street was named in honor of William Houstoun, whose surname was pronounced with an "ow" sound, similar to "house-ton." This pronunciation of "HOW-stən" for the street reflects the original pronunciation of his family name.
Pronunciation Distinction
The pronunciation of Houston Street in NYC ("HOW-stən") directly corresponds to the pronunciation of William Houstoun's surname. This differs significantly from the pronunciation of Houston, Texas ("HYOO-stən"), which was named after Sam Houston, a key figure in Texas history.
Here's a quick comparison to clarify the difference:
| Feature | Houston Street (NYC) | Houston, Texas (City) |
|---|---|---|
| Named After | William Houstoun | Sam Houston |
| Pronunciation | "HOW-stən" (rhymes with "house-ton") | "HYOO-stən" (rhymes with "few-stun") |
| Origin | Named for a Georgian statesman and lawyer | Named for a Texas revolutionary and politician |
Understanding this distinction clarifies why the street in New York City maintains its unique pronunciation and connection to its specific namesake.
