The name Aransas came for Rio Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu, which has its origin in an estate in Spain.  The county, established in1871, was an important shipping point for cattle from inland ranches.

Rockport's name is geographically descriptive and refers to a ledge of rock near the gulf.

Aransas County

            Created out of the coastal portion of Refugio County in 1871, Aransas County is the second smallest county in Texas.  Within it’s boundaries are three bays of the Gulf of Mexico; Copano, St. Charles, and Aransas.  The Area was the site of early Indian inhabitation and Spanish exploration, as well as Anglo colonization efforts of the 1830s and 1840s.  Aransas County Communities are supported by such industries as fishing, agriculture, off-shore oil production, bird watching and tourism.  The county is home to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, created in 1937.