Nostrand Avenue is believed to be named for Gerret Noorstrandt, one of Hans Hansen Von Norstrand’s sons, who was one of the earliest members of the Flatbush Dutch Reformed Church. The name Nostrand came from the Isle of Norstrand (translation: “north shore”) which is in present day Germany.
Hans Hansen Von Norstrand arrived in Flatbush in 1638, according to the book "Brooklyn by Name."