“Fig Newtons are named after the scientist Isaac Newton”

It's a common assumption that the beloved Fig Newton cookie, with its distinctive fruit (Review) filling, was named in homage to the renowned scientist Sir Isaac Newton. This particular misconception often stems from the simple connection of a famous "Newton" to a well-known product, leading many to believe there's a direct, albeit unscientific, link between the two. The idea of a cookie being named after such an influential historical figure certainly lends a certain gravitas to the snack, making the story appealing and easily memorable.

However, the true origin of the Fig Newton's name is far less about scientific discovery and much more about geographical proximity. The cookie was actually named after Newton, Massachusetts. The Kennedy Biscuit Company, which later became Nabisco, had a practice of naming their cookies after towns located near their bakeries. This tradition led to a variety of place-named treats, with Newton, Massachusetts, lending its name to the fig-filled delicacy we know today.

The myth persists largely because the association with Sir Isaac Newton feels intuitively plausible to many. He is a prominent figure, and the name "Newton" is not incredibly common, making the connection seem stronger than it is. Furthermore, the round, somewhat spherical shape of the cookie might subtly evoke the idea of an apple falling, a famous anecdote associated with Isaac Newton's discovery of gravity. Despite these compelling, if coincidental, connections, the delicious Fig Newton's namesake is firmly rooted in American geography, not English physics.