The older name originates from the Ketagalan word Tayour (transliterated by the Dutch as Cattajo), meaning woman's head ornament.

Many mountainous roads and paths, which are ideal for hiking, connect Neihu with the neighboring Shilin District and Yangmingshan National Park.

During Japanese rule, Naiko Village (內湖莊) covered modern day Neihu in addition to Nangang.

[4] Straightening of the Keelung River, which runs along Neihu's southern and eastern borders has changed the natural boundaries of the district at several points in the latter 20th century.

[5] Neihu's attractions include Dahu Park, famous for its picturesque footbridge, Bihu Park, where cherry blossoms can be viewed in the spring, and Bishan Temple (碧山巖), a large Taoist temple dedicated to Chen Yuanguang (陳元光) or Kai Zhang Sheng Wang (開漳聖王) on the mountainside that affords a panoramic view of Taipei.