The village was first mentioned between 1851 and 1855 as "Noorder Hoofddiep of Exlooder Mond", and means "first (canal) that has his mouth (at the main canal) belonging to Exloo".
The village's initial mention dates back to between 1851 and 1855 as "Noorder Hoofddiep of Exlooder Mond", which translates to "the first canal with its mouth at the main canal belonging to Exloo".