Named after myrtle trees and a little-known Brooklyn businessman.
Myrtle Avenue was named after the myrtle trees that were plentiful in the area. Willoughby Avenue honours Samuel Willoughby, an immigrant businessman about whom little is known. He came to the United States at 19, entered the dry goods business and, according to business directories of the time, founded the Brooklyn Bank in 1832. His avenue opened in stages between 1851 and 1871.