Edison Township was originally called as Raritan Township till March 17, 1870, from portions of both Piscataway Township and Woodbridge Township. Portions of the township were taken to form Metuchen (March 20, 1900) and Highland Park (March 15, 1905). The name was officially changed to Edison Township as of November 10, 1954, based on the results of a referendum passed eight days earlier.