Which US City is called The Big Apple? Check Key Details and Facts

Discover the fascinating history behind New York City's famous nickname, "The Big Apple." Learn about its origins in 1920s horse racing slang and how a sports journalist helped popularize the term. This influential city, with over 8.5 million residents, is a global hub for finance, art, and entertainment. 

Ayukta Zisha
Jun 20, 2025, 03:54 EDT
The Big Apple: New York

The Big Apple: New York

New York City, often called "The Big Apple", is one of the most prestigious and influential cities in the world. Known for its giant horizon, cultural diversity, and rapid book lifestyle, NYC is a global center for finance, art, fashion, and entertainment. Each year, with more than 8 million inhabitants and countless visitors, the city is a melting pot of dreams, ambition, and opportunity. But beyond its vibrant roads and famous sites, there is an interesting story behind its surname. Why is New York called "The Big Apple"? The term has a rich and colorful history that reflects the dynamic spirit of the city. From horse racing tracks to Jazz clubs and tourism campaigns, the surname has become famous in the city.

new york city map (1)

Check Out: Which US City is called City of Angels and Why?

Key Details 

Feature

Details

Nickname

The Big Apple

City Name

New York City

State

New York

Population (2024)

Over 8.5 million

Origin of Nickname

1920s horse racing slang

Popularized By

John J. Fitz Gerald (sports journalist)

Revived In

1970s tourism campaign

Other Nicknames

The City That Never Sleeps, Gotham

Iconic Symbols

Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Broadway

Why New York City is called the Big Apple?

The surname is a complicated origin of "The Big Apple," which dates back to the 1920s. This is the first time John J. Fitz was popularized by Garald, a sportswriter for the New York Morning Telegraph, who used the term in the context of the city's major horse racing track. At that time, jockeys and trainers referred to the big-time racing circuit as a "big apple", with the last award for New York. The phrase was quickly caught and later adopted by Jazz musicians in the 1930s, who saw New York as a major gig and a place of success. The surname faded for some time, but revived in the 1970s when the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau launched a tourist campaign using "The Big Apple" to promote the city's image. Today, the surname represents the status of New York as a land of opportunity, culture, and ambition - a city where large dreams are pursued and made real.

Interesting Facts About ‘The Big Apple’ City

  • More than 800 languages are spoken in the city of New York, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world.

  • The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France and stood as a global symbol of freedom and democracy.

  • Times Square attracts around 330,000 visitors per day and is known for its huge electronic hoardings and New Year's Eve celebrations.

  • Broadway is the world's most famous theater district, with more than 40 professional theaters and countless prestigious performances.

  • Central Park includes 843 acres of land compared to the entire country of Monaco.

  • The NYC subway systems have 472 stations, the highest of any transit system in the world, and runs 24 hours a day.

  • The city was named "Gotham" in 1807 by author Washington Irving.

  • The NYC was the first US capital under the Constitution and hosted the inauguration of George Washington in 1789.

Ayukta Zisha
Ayukta Zisha

Content Writer

    Ayukta Zisha is a Content Writer and Published Author with a Master’s degree in English Literature. She also holds a certification in Digital Marketing from IIT Delhi. Deeply passionate about art, aesthetics, and literature, Ayukta brings a unique creative flair to her writing. A dedicated bibliophile, she continues to explore and share her love for words through engaging and insightful content. You can reach out to her at ayukta.jisha@jagrannewmedia.com

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