The town of Nagcarlan is said to be named after old woman named Ana Kalang or Nana Kalang. Ana Kalang was known for her generosity and kindness, and she was well loved not only by the locals but by the Spaniards as well.
The town is considered to be one of the original settlements in the old province of Bay. It is strategically located in between the lake (Laguna de Bay) and the lower slopes of Mount Banahaw. It is actually an important upland location for growing rice and corn, and fruit-bearing trees like lanzones and rambutan.