Oyster crackers are called that primarily because they were traditionally served with oyster stew and other seafood soups like clam chowder. One theory suggests the name originated from their association with oysters as a garnish for these dishes, which were popular and often inexpensive in the 1800s. Another theory is that oyster crackers got their name because their shape slightly resembles an oyster shell. It's possible that both reasons contributed to their name: they were created to accompany oyster stew and their appearance reminded people of oysters in their shells. Despite the name, oyster crackers do not contain any oysters.
