Calumpit was derived from the name of the hardwood trees called Calumpit, found abundantly growing in front of the Calumpit Catholic Church. The hardwood was widely used and from then on it was adopted as the town's official name.

The defeat of Rajah Soliman at the battle of Bangkusay Channel paved the way for the Spaniards to establish their government in Manila. News reached the Spanish authority that there was a progressive community located several miles north of Manila. Through the order of Fray Martin de Rada, he sent a group of Augustinian missionaries headed by Father Diego Vivar Ordones to look for the said place. In 1572, they first set foot at that place. Armed with a cross, they Christianized the place and established the church and government simultaneously that same year.

It was only in 1575 however; the King of Spain officially recognized That Calumpit. It was the first established town in the province of Bulacan and the fourth in the island. The Augustinian friars were the first Christian pastors of Calumpit and acted in some capacity as government officials. This continued for almost a century. In 1672, the first civil government was established with Marcos de Arce as the first Alcalde Mayor of Calumpit.

Like any other inhabitants of the province, the Calumpit people are religious, hospitable and industrious. Dwelling places thrive along the riverbanks. Its neighboring places are Apalit and Candaba towns in Pampanga and Hagonoy, Pulilan and Malolos in Bulacan.