Origin of Name
The most common name for the area prior to forming the town was "West Dedham" or the Clapboardtrees Parish. As the town was officially formed, the original name suggested was "Nahatan," however this was considered too similar to Nahant, so constable Isaac Carter proposed "Westwood" instead, and the town was officially formed on April 2, 1897.
Fenerty, West Dedham and Westwood, 300 Years, p. 28
