<P> The state 's most populous city , New York City , makes up over 40 % of the state 's population . Two - thirds of the state 's population lives in the New York metropolitan area , and nearly 40 % lives on Long Island . The state and city were both named for the 17th century Duke of York , the future King James II of England . With an estimated population of 8.55 million in 2015 , New York City is the most populous city in the United States and the premier gateway for legal immigration to the United States . The New York metropolitan area is one of the most populous in the world . New York City is a global city , home to the United Nations Headquarters and has been described as the cultural , financial and media capital of the world , as well as the world 's most economically powerful city . The next four most populous cities in the state are Buffalo , Rochester , Yonkers , and Syracuse , while the state capital is Albany . </P>
<P> The state 's most populous city , New York City , makes up over 40 % of the state 's population . Two - thirds of the state 's population lives in the New York metropolitan area , and nearly 40 % lives on Long Island . The state and city were both named for the 17th century Duke of York , the future King James II of England . With an estimated population of 8.55 million in 2015 , New York City is the most populous city in the United States and the premier gateway for legal immigration to the United States . The New York metropolitan area is one of the most populous in the world . New York City is a global city , home to the United Nations Headquarters and has been described as the cultural , financial and media capital of the world , as well as the world 's most economically powerful city . The next four most populous cities in the state are Buffalo , Rochester , Yonkers , and Syracuse , while the state capital is Albany . </P>
where did new york state get its name
where did new york state get its name
named for the 17th century Duke of York , the future King James II of England
named for the 17th century Duke of York , the future King James II of England