 The name "Mahwah" is derived from the Lenape language word ""mawewi"" which means "Meeting Place" or "Place Where Paths Meet".The area that is now Mahwah was originally formed as "Hohokus Township" on April 9, 1849, from portions of the former Franklin Township (now Wyckoff).While known as Hohokus Township, territory was taken to form Orvil Township (on January 1, 1886; remainder of township is now Waldwick), Allendale (November 10, 1894), Upper Saddle River (November 22, 1894), and Ramsey (March 10, 1908).