the neck was part of an area called meghgectecock by the lenape. it was the territory of the group called the hackensack. the name of "masgichteu-cunk" meaning "where may-apples grow", from a moist-woodland perennial that bears edible yellow berries. the name achter col was given during the new netherland era in the mid-17th century, and can be translated a "rear mountain pass" or "behind the ridge", in reference to the access it provided to the hinterlands beyond the hudson palisades that were rich fur-trapping grounds.