Originally called Kikotan/Kecoughtan/Kikowtan, in 1634 it became one of the original eight shires and was named Elizabeth River Shire. It was named for King James' daughter, the Princess Elizabeth. In 1636, the shire was divided and the part north of the harbor of Hampton became Elizabeth City Shire. Sometime later, it became Elizabeth City County. In 1952, it was incorporated into the City of Hampton and is no longer a Virginia county.