The island is named for a descendant or descendants of early Staten Island settler Arendt Jansen Prall Van Naarden (c. 1647–1725) (in Dutch, Praal), probably his grandson Abraham Prall (1706–1775), a local farmer.[1] It was originally known as Dongan's Island, after New York Governor Thomas Dongan (1634–1715), who took the office in 1688. The name was later corrupted to Duncan's Island. Prall's Island did not take hold until the late 19th century. Around 1910, the water between Staten Island and the island was known as Prall's River but was eventually returned to Arthur Kill. The island is now owned by the City of New York and is maintained by New York City Department of Parks and Recreation as a bird sanctuary.[2]
