[1] The name Nyaungdon is thought have meant "boat dock" in the Mon language.

The village was elevated to town status in 1884 by the British colonial government.

[1] Nyaungdon is the hometown of several prominent Burmese writers, poets, and artists.

Influential visual artist and cartoonist Ba Gyan grew up in Nyaungdon before moving to Yangon for college before starting his comics career.

[4] Other notable people include writers Lin Yun Thit Lwin, Yaung Ni, Tekkatho Han Win Aung, Tekkatho Nyi Lwin Maung, Tekkatho Nyo Nyo Thein, and July Moe, poets Pho Thaukkya, musicians Sandaya U Aung Ko, Zeya Pwint, Saw Tun Naing, Htay Win, Min Htet Tha, directors Shwe Done Bi Aung, Shwedon Htun Lwin, actors Tun Tun Naing, May Thinza U, Nyi Nyi Tun Lwin, San San Aye, Wai Lu Kyaw, and painter Win Myint Moe.