While each community has its own independent government, and the two municipalities have no shared governance (other than Middlesex County), the term is often used to refer to the area, including on highway exit signs.
Perth Amboy's history dates back to 1651 when August Herman bought a point of land from the Lenni Lenape Native Americans.
The land, which was called "Ompoge" by the indigenous people, gradually changed its name to "Emboyle", then "Amboyle".
The name means "place resembling a bowl.
"[1] In 1686, when the settlement became the capital of East Jersey, Perth was added to the name in honor of one of the Proprietors under the Royal grant, the James Drummond, 1st Duke of Perth.