Mexico

Mexico City (the capital city of Mexico)


Monaco

nl-proper noun

Monaco n (adjective Monegaskisch, demonym Monegask m or Monegaskische f)

Monegaskisch (adjective)
Monegask (demonym masculine)
Monegaskische (demonym feminine)


San Marino

San Marino n (adjective San Marinees, demonym San Marinees m or San Marinese f)

San Marinees (adjective)
San Marinees (demonym masculine)
San Marinese (demonym feminine)

San Marino (a landlocked microstate in Southern Europe, located within the borders of Italy)

San Marino (the capital city of San Marino)


Brasilia

Distrito Federal
Distrito Federal#English

Brasília (a municipality, the capital city of Brazil; state capital of Distrito Federal, Brazil)


Ottawa

Ottawa (a city in Ontario, Canada; capital city of Canada)


Amsterdam

First attested as amestelledamme in 1275. From Middle Dutch Aemstelredam, from the river Amstel + dam.

Meronyms: Driemond, Durgerdam, Holysloot, Nieuwendam, Ransdorp, Schellingwoude, 't Nopeind, Weesp, Zunderdorp

Amsterdam (a city and municipality of North Holland, Netherlands; capital city of the Netherlands)


Leuven

* (Flemish Brabant) From Middle Dutch Loven (Latinised: Lovanium).
* (West Betuwe) First attested as loffna in 788-789. Etymology unknown. Compare Loven.

unk

unknown

Meronyms: Heverlee, Kessel-Lo, Wilsele, Wijgmaal

Louvain (the capital city of Flemish Brabant, Belgium)


London

London (a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada)


Kiev

From Russian Ки́ев (Kíjev). The form Kyiv, from Ukrainian Київ (Kyjiv), has been gaining currency, particularly since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Kyiv (The capital city of Ukraine and the administrative centre of Kyiv Oblast)


Algiers

Ultimately from Arabic اَلْجَزَائِر (al-jazāʔir).

der

اَلْجَزَائِر

Algiers (the capital and largest city of Algeria)


Palermo

Palermo (a city and province of Sicily, Italy)


Edinburgh

Edinburgh (the capital city of Scotland)


Tarragona

Tarragona (a city in Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain)


Zagreb

Zagreb (the capital and largest city of Croatia)


Tunis

Tunis (The capital city, since 1159, and largest city of Tunisia)


Zurich

Zurich (the capital city of Zurich canton, Switzerland)


Oslo

Oslo (a county and municipality, the capital city of Norway)


Barcelona

Barcelona (the capital city of Catalonia, Spain)


New York

New York, New York City (the largest city in the state of New York, and the largest city in the United States)


Rome

Afrikaans: Rome

* (capital of Italy) From Middle Dutch rome.
* (Maasdriel) First attested as Rome in 1830-1855. Named after the Italian city, allegedly because many Roman artefacts were found there.


Mechelen

* (Belgium) From earlier Mechgelme, Machele, from Medieval Latin Maclines, from Maslines, from Frankish *Maalinas, ultimately from Old Saxon mahal (“meeting room”), from Proto-West Germanic *maþl (“gathering, speech”). See also Limburgish Mechele.
* (Limburg) First attested as mechluns in 1133. Derived from Proto-Germanic *magal (“great, powerful”), related to *mikilaz. Compare Megchelen.

inh

Meronyms: Heffen, Hombeek, Leest, Muizen, Walem


Groningen

First attested as groningi in the 10th or 11th century. Etymology uncertain. Potentially derived from Old Dutch Grôn (a personal name) or Groni (a personal name) suffixed with the collectivising suffix -ing-. A derivation from a hydronym *Gron suffixed with -ing- is less likely. Compare Groeningen.
The province was named after the city.
See also Dutch Low Saxon Grunnen.

Meronyms: Achter-Thesinge, Boltklap, Bouwerschap, Bovenrijge, Dilgt, Dorkwerd, Emmerwolde, Engelbert, Essen, Euvelgunne, Felland, Garmerwolde, Glimmen, Haren, Harenermolen, Hemert, Hemmen, Hoogkerk, Hoornsedijk, Klein Harkstede, Kröddeburen, Lageweg, Leegkerk, Lellens, Lutjewolde, Middelbert, Noorddijk, Noorderhoogebrug, Noordlaren, Onnen, Oosterdijkshorn, Oosterhoogebrug, Oude Roodehaan, Roodehaan, Ruischerbrug, Sint Annen, Slaperstil, Steerwolde, Ten Boer, Ten Post, Thesinge, Vierverlaten, Winneweer, Wittewierum, Woltersum, Zevenhuisjes

Groningen (a city, municipality, and capital of Groningen, Netherlands)


Utrecht

→ English: Utrecht velvet

→ French: velours d’Utrecht

→ Portuguese: Utreque

desc

→ Chinese: → 烏得勒支／乌得勒支 (Wūdélèzhī) (transliteration)

From Middle Dutch utrecht, from Old Dutch [Term?], from Old Dutch ūt (“outside”) + Latin Traiectum, the name of the original Roman fort around which the city was built, a name meaning "crossing," from the verb traicio (“I go across, transfer”).

Meronyms: Alendorp, Blauwkapel, De Meern, Haarzuilens, Lage Haar, Nedereindseweg, Ockhuizen, Oudenrijn, Rijnenburg, Stadsdam, Themaat, Veldhuizen, Vleuten

Utrecht (a city, municipality, and capital of Utrecht, Netherlands)


Bloemfontein

Afrikaans: Bloemfontein


Bratislava

Bratislava (the capital city of Slovakia)


Bern

Bern (the capital city of Switzerland; capital city of Bern canton)


Keulen

From Middle Dutch Cuelen, Coelen, from Old Dutch [Term?], from Latin Colōnia (literally “colony”), from Colōnia Agrippīna.

North Rhine-Westphalia
North Rhine-Westphalia#English

Cologne (the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia, in western Germany)


Purmerend

First attested as purmerende in 1342. Compound of the hydronym Purmer and Middle Dutch ende (“end”).

Meronyms: Arenberg, Halfweg, Klaterbuurt, Middenbeemster, Noordbeemster, Purmer, Purmerbuurt, Westbeemster, Zuidoostbeemster

Purmerend (a city and municipality of North Holland, Netherlands)


Gibraltar

Gibraltar (a peninsula, city, and overseas territory of the United Kingdom, at the southern end of Iberia)


Pyongyang

From Korean 평양(平壤) (Pyeong'yang, literally “flat land”).

bor

Pyongyang (the capital city of North Korea)


Chicago

Chicago (a large city in Illinois, United States)


Damascus

From Middle Dutch damascus, from Latin Damascus, from Ancient Greek Δαμασκός (Damaskós), from a Semitic language.


Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires (the capital city of Argentina)


Istanbul

Borrowed from Turkish İstanbul, corruption of Byzantine Greek εἰς τὴν Πόλιν (eis tḕn Pólin, “to the City”).

der

εἰς τὴν Πόλιν


Peking

Borrowed from Mandarin 北京 (Běijīng), specifically the Nanking court dialect from before the modern palatalization of /k/ to /tɕ/. Compare Portuguese Pequim, Spanish Pekín, English Peking, French Pékin.

Beijing, Peking (a direct-administered municipality, the capital city of China)

Mandarin (late imperial lingua franca)
nl:Peking


Axel

First attested as axla in 987-994. Etymology uncertain. Various compound derivations from a first element and lo (“light forest”) have been proposed, but none of these match the oldest attestations. Potentially derived from a term cognate to Old Norse öxull (“shoulder”), Old High German ahsala (“shoulder”), here referring to an elevated location.
See also Zealandic Aksel.

A city and former municipality of Terneuzen, Zeeland, Netherlands


Delft

First attested as delf in 1130-1157. From Middle Dutch delft, from earlier delf, derived from a hydronym derived from Middle Dutch delven (“dig, excavate”).

Meronyms: Abtswoude, Klein-Delfgauw

Delft (a city and municipality of South Holland, Netherlands)


Gent

Meronyms: Afsnee, Desteldonk, Drongen, Gentbrugge, Ledeberg, Mariakerke, Mendonk, Oostakker, Sint-Amandsberg, Sint-Denijs-Westrem, Sint-Kruis-Winkel, Wondelgem, Zwijnaarde

Ghent (the capital of East Flanders, Belgium)


Komen

From Gallo-Roman Latin Comius + -inas, of Celtic origin, from Gaulish *cumma, variant of *cumba, from Proto-Celtic *kumbā (“valley”).


Bergen

Mons (a city, municipality, and capital of Hainaut, Belgium)


Bergen

From Norwegian Bergen, from Old Norse Bjǫrgvin (“meadow between the mountains”).


Landen

Meronyms: Attenhoven, Eliksem, Ezemaal, Laar, Neerlanden, Neerwinden, Overwinden, Rumsdorp, Waasmont, Walsbets, Walshoutem, Wange, Wezeren

Landen (a city and municipality of the province of Flemish Brabant, Flanders, Belgium)


Luik

From Middle Dutch Lûdeke. Perhaps ultimately from Proto-Germanic *liudiz (“people”).


Lier

Meronym: Koningshooikt

Lier (a city in Antwerp province, Belgium)


Thorn

First attested as tornensi monasterio in 1007. Etymology uncertain. Potentially linked to Old Dutch turn (“high building, tower”) (derived in turn from Latin turris (“tower”)). The toponym has also been linked to Doornik/Tournai in Belgium. Not related to the English toponym Thorne.
See also Limburgish Toear.

A city and former municipality of Maasgouw, Limburg, Netherlands


Aalst

* (Zaltbommel) First attested as in uilla halosta around 850. Etymology uncertain. A proposed derivation from els (“alder, Alnus”) with collectivising suffix -t does not match well with old attestations of the toponym. Potentially derived from Proto-Germanic *alhust (“dwelling place, shrine”). Compare Elst, Maasniel, Nieuwaal, Niel, Niel-bij-As, Nivele and Waldniel.
* (Noord-Brabant) First attested as alst in 1281. Etymology uncertain. The formerly widespread hypothesis of a derivation from els (“alder, Alnus”) with collectivising suffix -t is no longer considered plausible. Potentially derived from Proto-Germanic *alhust (“dwelling place, shrine”). Compare Elst, Maasniel, Nieuwaal, Niel, Niel-bij-As, Nivele and Waldniel.
* (Buren) First attested as aelst around 1400. Etymology uncertain. A proposed derivation from els (“alder, Alnus”) with collectivising suffix -t does not match well with old attestations of the toponym. Potentially derived from Proto-Germanic *alhust (“dwelling place, shrine”). Compare Elst, Maasniel, Nieuwaal, Niel, Niel-bij-As, Nivele and Waldniel.

inh

Meronyms: Baardegem, Erembodgem, Gijzegem, Herdersem, Hofstade, Meldert, Moorsel, Nieuwerkerken

A city and municipality of East Flanders, Belgium


Bagdad

Baghdad (the capital city of Iraq)
Baghdad (a governorate of Iraq)


Halle

* (Gelderland) First attested as hall in 1263. Potentially a compound of Proto-Germanic *halha- (“highland spur”) and lo (“light forest on sandy soil”). Another possibility is a derivation from Middle Dutch halle (“covered market”), from Old Dutch *halla, from Frankish *hallu.

cog

Meronyms: Buizingen, Lembeek


Luxemburg

nl-proper noun

Luxemburg n (adjective Luxemburgs, demonym Luxemburger m or Luxemburgse f)

Luxemburgs (adjective)
Luxemburger (demonym masculine)
Luxemburgse (demonym feminine)

Afrikaans: Luxemburg

→ Indonesian: Luksemburg

Luxembourg (a small country in Western Europe)

Luxembourg (a province of Wallonia, Belgium)

Luxembourg, Luxembourg City (the capital city of Luxembourg)

Luxembourg (One of the twelve cantons of the country of Luxembourg, which includes its capital city)


Tokio

Borrowed from Japanese 東(とう)京(きょう) (Tōkyō, literally “eastern capital”). First attested in the 1870s.

ja-r

Tokyo (a prefecture, the capital and largest city of Japan)


Windhoek

From wind (“wind”) + hoek (“corner, angle”).

Windhoek (a city, the capital city of Namibia)


Brussel

From Broekzele, from broek (“marsh”) + zaal, zele (“thatching, settlement”).

Brussels (the capital city of Belgium; capital city of the region of Flanders in Belgium; main seat of government of the EU; former capital of the former province of Brabant)


Gaza

From Middle Dutch gaza, from Latin Gaza, from Ancient Greek Γάζα (Gáza), from Biblical Hebrew עזה (`aza).


Aken

Afrikaans: Aken


Londen

London (the capital city of the United Kingdom; capital city of England)


Brugge

From Old Dutch Bruges, Bruggas, Brugias, probably from brugga (“bridge”, now brug), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *brugjǭ.

Meronyms: Assebroek, Dudzele, Koolkerke, Lissewege, Sint-Andries, Sint-Kruis, Sint-Michiels

Bruges (the capital city of West Flanders province, Belgium)


Parijs

From Middle Dutch parijs, from Old French Paris.

Paris (the capital and largest city of France)


Kopenhagen

/ˌkoːpənˈɦaːɣən/

Copenhagen (the capital city of Denmark)


Antwerpen

From Medieval Latin Antwerpo, which, if of Germanic origin, like Frankish or Old Frisian, could be from Proto-West Germanic *anda- (“against”) + a noun derived from *werpan (“to throw”), meaning something like "land thrown up at something, "alluvial deposit."
Folk etymology derived it from handwerpen (“hand-throwing”), from hand + werpen, referring to a giant in Flemish legend named Antigoon, said to sever and fling the hands of any boatmen of the Scheldt who did not pay his toll. More at Antwerp.

Meronyms: Berchem, Berendrecht-Zandvliet-Lillo, Borgerhout, Deurne, Ekeren, Hoboken, Merksem, Wilrijk

Antwerp (the capital city of Antwerp province, Belgium)


Poltava

Poltava (an oblast in east-central Ukraine)

Poltava (a city, the administrative centre of Poltava Hromada, Poltava Raion, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine)

Poltava (a raion of Poltava Oblast, Ukraine)


Oostende

From oost (“east”) + ende (“end”); in the Middle Ages the city was on the eastern end of an island, Testerep, which is now attached to the main land.

Meronyms: Stene, Zandvoorde

Ostend (a city and municipality of Belgium)


Turnhout

Meronym: Zevendonk

A city in the province of Antwerp, Belgium


Hasselt

* (Belgium) From the root of hazel (“hazel”).
* (Overijssel) First attested as haslet in 1227. Derived from Proto-Germanic *haslaz (“hazel, Corylus avellana”) or *hasala suffixed with the collectivising suffix *-uþi-. See also Dutch Low Saxon Asselt.
* (Dutch Limburg) First attested in 1326 as hasselt. Derived from Proto-Germanic *haslaz (“hazel, Corylus avellana”) or *hasala suffixed with the collectivising suffix *-uþi-.
* (Noord-Brabant) First attested as die hasselt in 1382. Derived from Proto-Germanic *haslaz (“hazel, Corylus avellana”) or *hasala suffixed with the collectivising suffix *-uþi-.

inh

A city and former municipality of Zwartewaterland, Overijssel, Netherlands


Vaticaanstad

Vatican City (a city-state in Southern Europe, an enclave within the city of Rome, Italy)


Den Haag

→ German: Den Haag

→ Sranan Tongo: Aga
→ Dutch: Agga

→ West Frisian: De Haach

From Middle Dutch die Haghe (“the enclosure”), from hage (m, later also f, “enclosure, hedge”), from Proto-Germanic *hagô. First attested in 1242 as die haga. The article form den is dative/accusative, generalized in the modern name because of its use after prepositions, e.g. in den Haghe (“in The Hague”). Compare Den Bosch, Den Hoorn etc.

Meronym: Haagoord

The Hague (a city, municipality, and capital of South Holland, Netherlands; administrative capital of the Netherlands)


Edam

First attested as aedamme in 1342-1343. Compound of the hydronym Ee (derived from aa (“watercourse, river”)) and Middle Dutch dam (“dam”).

A city in Edam-Volendam, North Holland, Netherlands


Paramaribo

The initial element is from a Tupi-Guarani word related to Old Tupi pará (“sea, wide river”) and refers to the Suriname River; the settlement was founded on its western (left) bank.

Paramaribo (the capital city of Suriname)


Port Moresby

Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea#English

Port Moresby (the capital city of Papua New Guinea)


Kinshasa

Democratic Republic of the Congo#English

Kinshasa (the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo)


Santiago

Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile#English

Santiago, Santiago de Chile (the capital city of Chile)


Bethlehem

From Latin Bēthlehēmum, Bēthleëm, from Ancient Greek Βηθλεέμ (Bēthleém), from Hebrew בֵּית לֶחֶם (bet léchem, “house of bread”).
The hamlet is first attested as Bethlehem in 1502 and is named after a former monastery, which was named in turn after the city in Palestine.

der

Bethlehem (a city in the West Bank, Palestine)


Rotterdam

First attested as rotter dam ter haluer rotte in 1280-1287. From Middle Dutch rotterdam, a compound of the hydronym Rotte + dam.

Meronyms: Hoek van Holland, Hoogvliet, Pernis, Rozenburg

Rotterdam (a city and municipality of South Holland, Netherlands)


Philippine

First attested as eene ghesloten stadt, die noemende Philippijne in 1505. Named after the city's location in the Philippinepolder, which is named in turn after Philip I of Castile (1478-1506).
See also Zealandic Phelippine, Phelpine.

A city and former municipality of Terneuzen, Zeeland, Netherlands


Maastricht

→ English: Maastricht

English: Maastricht Formation

English: Maastrichtian

→ French: Maastricht, Maestricht

French: maastrichtien

→ New Latin: maastrichtensis

→ Walloon: Måstraik, Li Trai

First attested as Traiecto in 535. From Middle Dutch maestrecht, from Latin Mosae Traiectum. All forms are derived from the hydronym Maas and tricht (“crossing, ferry”) (derived in turn from Latin traiectus (“crossing”)). The element Maas was added at a later date to distinguish the city from Tricht and Utrecht.
See also Limburgish Mestreech.

Meronyms: Amby, Borgharen, Caberg, Heer, Heugem, Itteren, Limmel, Mariënwaard, Nekum, Sint Pieter, Wolder

Maastricht (a city, municipality, and capital of Limburg, Netherlands)


Dijon

Dijon (the capital city of the Côte-d'Or department, France)


Breda

First attested as brida in 1152. Etymology uncertain. Not a compound of breed (“broad”) and aa (“river, watercourse”).

Meronyms: Achterste Rith, Bavel, Bolberg, Diunt, Effen, Eikberg, Ginneken, IJpelaar, Lies, Lijndonk, Princenhage, Prinsenbeek, Roosberg, Tervoort, Teteringen, Ulvenhout, Vaareind, Verloren Hoek, Vuchtschoot, Westrik

Breda (a city and municipality of North Brabant, Netherlands)


Jericho

Jericho (a city in the West Bank, Palestine)


Kandahar

Pashto کندهار

Kandahar (a city and province in southern Afghanistan)


Berlijn

Perhaps borrowed from German Berlin. Insofar as the name has undergone diphthongisation it must be of some age; hence possibly inherited from Middle Dutch [Term?], from Middle Low German [Term?]. The city was of relevance since circa 1250.

Berlin (the capital and largest city of Germany)


Genua

Genoa (the capital city of Liguria, Italy)


Leeuwarden

First attested as liunuuero and liunuert in 1038-1057. Compound of an unclear first element and Old Frisian ward (“artificial mound used for habitation”). The first element has been variously interpreted as a personal name, a derivation from Proto-Germanic *hleunjô- (“lee, refuge”) and a term cognate to Gothic *𐌷𐌻𐌰𐌹𐌽𐍃 (*hlains, “hill”). Compare Liezele and Lünern.
See also West Frisian Ljouwert.

cog

Meronyms: Abbengawier, Aegum, Angwier, Baard, Baardburen, Beers, Britsum, Cornjum, De Drie Romers, De Groote Bontekoe, De Hem, Domwier, Finkum, Fons, Friens, Gotum, Goutum, Grouw, Hempens, Hezens, Hijlaard, Hijum, Horne, Hoek, Hofland, Hoptille, Huins, Idaard, Irnsum, Jellum, Jelsum, Jorwerd, Lekkum, Lions, Mantgum, Marwird, Midsburen, Miedum, Naarderburen, Noordend, Oosterlittens, Oude Leije, Poelhuizen, Rewerd, Roordahuizum, Schillaard, Schrins, Snakkerburen, Stiens, Swichum, Teerns, Tichelwerk, Tjaard, Tjeintgum, Truurd, Tsienzerburen, Vensterburen, Vierhuis, Wammerd, Warstiens, Wartena, Warga, Weidum, Wiel, Wieuwens, Wijtgaard, Wirdum, Zuiderburen, Zuiderend

Leeuwarden (a city, municipality, and capital of Friesland, Netherlands)


Lissabon

Ultimately from Arabic لِشْبُونَة (lišbūna), from Latin Olisipo, further etymology uncertain.


Sanaa

Sanaa (the capital and largest city of Yemen)


Krakau

Lesser Poland Voivodeship
Lesser Poland Voivodeship#English

Cracow, the capital city of Lesser Poland Voivodeship and former capital of Poland.


Warschau

→ Afrikaans: Warschau


München

Munich (the capital and largest city of Bavaria, Germany)


Bonaire

Uncertain. According to one hypothesis, the toponym derives from the Caquetio word bonay ("low country"). A derivation from Spanish buen (“good”) and aire (“air”) is less likely.

An island and special municipality in the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea


Mekka

Mecca (a large city in the Hejaz, Saudi Arabia, the holiest place in Islam)


Mokum

Borrowed from Yiddish מקום (mokem, “place, safe haven”), from Hebrew מקום (makóm, “place”).

bor

(informal) the city of Amsterdam, The Netherlands


Gouda

First attested as golda in 1143. Derived from the hydronym Gouwe, derived in turn from a compound of Old Dutch gold (“gold”) and ā (“watercourse, river”).

Meronym: Stolwijkersluis

Gouda (a city and municipality of South Holland, Netherlands)


Duisburg

Duisburg (a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany)


Leiden

locally; traditional, now sometimes affected

From Middle Dutch Leiden, older Leithen, originally the name of the village now called Leiderdorp, then transferred to the younger nearby settlement. Formerly hypothesized to be from Middle Dutch lēde (“dyke, drainage channel”), but this is derived from the past stem *lid- of Proto-Germanic *līþaną (“to pass through”), thus requiring an original -d-, not -þ- (see Grammatischer Wechsel). The early ei-spelling also speaks against this derivation. Instead probably from a Frankish *Lagiþon, from Proto-Germanic *laguz (“water”) + the placename suffix *-iþi.
The usual latinisation Lugdunum was taken from the name of a defunct historical settlement north of Katwijk, which was erroneously identified with Leiden. There is in all likelihood no relation between the two names.

der

Leiden (a city and municipality of South Holland, Netherlands)

Grammatischer Wechsel
Nicoline van der Sijs
nl:Leiden


Athene

Ultimately from Ancient Greek Ἀθήνη (Athḗnē) and Ἀθῆναι (Athênai).


Dnipropetrovsk

From Ukrainian Дніпропетро́вськ (Dnipropetróvsʹk).

bor

Дніпропетро́вськ


Donetsk

Donetsk, a city, raion and oblast in Ukraine.


Lviv

From Ukrainian Львів (Lʹviv); the form in -ov is from Russian Львов (Lʹvov).

Lviv, a city, raion and oblast in Ukraine.


Wenen

Afrikaans: Wene

From Middle Dutch Wene, from Middle High German Wien(n)e, Win(n)e.


Ivano-Frankivsk

From Ukrainian Іва́но-Франкі́вськ (Iváno-Frankívsʹk).

Іва́но-Франкі́вськ

Ivano-Frankivsk, a city, raion and oblast in Ukraine.


Kirovohrad

From Ukrainian Кіровогра́д (Kirovohrád).


Ternopil

Ternopil, a city, raion and oblast in Ukraine.


Rivne

Rivne, a city, raion and oblast in Ukraine.


Seoel

From Korean 서울 (Seoul, literally “capital city”).


Saba

Possibly derived from a shortening or misreading of Spanish San Cristóbal, the original name of the island.


Venetië

From Middle Dutch Venegien. Equivalent to Veneet + -ië.


Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.#English

Washington, D.C. (the capital city of the United States)


Praag

Prague (the capital city of the Czech Republic)


Belgrado

From Southern Slavic (the Yugoslav or southern branch of Slavic languages), presently Beograd in Serbo-Croatian (variety Serbian), meaning “white castle” (after a fortress on the Danube), like most non-derivative translations.


Straatsburg

Strasbourg (the capital city of the Bas-Rhin department, France; capital city of the region of Grand Est)


Beiroet

From Middle Dutch baruth, later modified under influence of Arabic بَيْرُوت (bayrūt).


Moskou

The hamlet is first attested as Moscou in 1899. Originally the name of a farm separated by a canal from Petersburg.

Moscow (a federal city, the capital of Russia)


Jeruzalem

The neighbourhood is named after the city. The name was given in reference to the neighbourhood's white houses, which are vaguely reminiscent of houses in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem (the claimed (and de-facto) capital city of Israel; the claimed capital city of Palestine)


Nouméa

Nouméa (capital city of the French overseas territory New Caledonia)


Kaapstad

Compound of kaap (“cape”) + stad (“city, town”), referring to Kaap de Goede Hoop (“Cape of Good Hope”).


Haarlem

→ English: Harlem

First attested as haralem in 918-948. Compound of the personal name Old Dutch Harala or Old Dutch *Harila and hēm (“home, settlement”).

Meronyms: Spaarndam-West, Zuid-Schalkwijk

Haarlem (a city, municipality, and capital of North Holland, Netherlands)


Bandung

Bandung (a city, the provincial capital of West Java, Indonesia)


Buren

* (Gelderland) First attested as buria in 772. Derived from Proto-Germanic *bûrja- (“stable, outbuilding, barn, hut”). Compare Old Frisian bêre (“barn, house”).
* (Friesland) Potentially attested as buren around the end of the 11th century, attested with certainty as buren in 1245. Borrowed from West Frisian Buren, derived from the dative plural form of Old Frisian buer (“house, cottage”). See also West Frisian Bueren.
* (Overijssel) First attested as buren in 1188. Derived from the dative plural form of Middle Dutch buur (“dwelling, cottage”).

inh

Meronyms: Aalst, Asch, Beusichem, Bontemorgen, Buurmalsen, De Bosjes, De Heuvel, De Mars, Eck en Wiel, Erichem, Essebroek, Ganzert, Hoog Kana, Hoogmeien, Ingen, Kerk-Avezaath, Klinkenberg, Leutes, Lienden, Luchtenburg, Lutterveld, Maurik, Meerten, Meertenwei, Ommeren, Ommerenveld, Ravenswaaij, Rijswijk, Tweesluizen, Zandberg, Zevenmorgen, Zoelen, Zoelmond, Zwarte Paard

Buren (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Sjanghai

Shanghai (a major port city and direct-administered municipality of China, the largest urban area in China)


Eindhoven

First attested as endehouen in 1232. Derived from a compound of eind (“end, edge”) and the dative plural form of hof (“farmstead, homestead”).

Meronyms: Acht, Blaarthem, Bokt, Gennep, Gestel, Nieuw Acht, Philipsdorp, Riel, Sliffert, Strijp, 't Coll, Tongelre, Urkhoven, Woensel

Eindhoven (a city and municipality of North Brabant, Netherlands)


Denpasar

Denpasar (a city, the provincial capital of Bali, Indonesia)


Ede

Potentially attested as in uilla heoa in 838, attested with certainty as de edhe in 1216. Difficult to interpret. Proposed derivations from a hydronym Ee (derived in turn from aa (“watercourse”)), heide (“heath, heathland”), Old Dutch Edo (a personal name) and ede (“turf”) either do not match the oldest attestations or are phonologically or morphologically unsatisfactory. Compare Eede, Een and Oud-Ade.
See also Dutch Low Saxon Ee.

Meronyms: Bennekom, Deelen, De Ginkel, De Kade, De Klomp, De Kraats, De Valk, Doesburgerbuurt, Driesprong, Ederveen, Eschoten, Harskamp, Hoekelum, Hoog-Baarlo, Lunteren, Manen, Meulunteren, Mossel, Nederwoud, Nergena, Nieuw-Reemst, Otterlo, Oud-Reemst, Overwoud, Roekel, Walderveen, Wekerom, Westeneng

Ede (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Jalta

From Ukrainian Я́лта (Jálta) / Russian Я́лта (Jálta).


Nijmegen

From Middle Dutch Nieumeghen, Nimeghen, from Latin Noviomagus, the short form of Ulpia Noviomagus Batavōrum. Compare Neumagen.

Meronyms: Koudenhoek, Lent, Ooyse Schependom

Nijmegen (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Genk

Meronyms: Bokrijk, Boxbergheide, Camerlo, Hoevenzavel, Kolderbos, Langerlo, Nieuw-Texas, Sledderlo, Terboekt, Termien, Waterschei, Winterslag, Zwartberg

Genk (a city and municipality of Belgium)


's-Hertogenbosch

First attested as de nouo opido super siluam juxta orten in 1196. From older des hertogen bosch (“the duke's forest”). Attested in the 13th century Latin as buscum ducis.

Meronyms: Bokhoven, Bruggen, Deuteren, Dieskant, Empel, Engelen, Gewande, Heeseind, Hintham, Kaathoven, Kruisstraat, Lagekant, Maliskamp, Meerwijk, Nuland, Oud-Empel, Rosmalen, Schotsheuvel, Vinkel

's-Hertogenbosch (a city, municipality, and capital of North Brabant, Netherlands)


Palembang

Palembang (a city, the provincial capital of South Sumatra, Indonesia)


Sint Eustatius

An island and special municipality in the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea


Almere

First attested as de toekomstige stad Almere in 1973. Named after the ancient hydronym Almere (first attested in 755-768), likely a compound of aal (“eel”) and Old Dutch mere (“lake, pool”). The current city is located roughly where the former lake was located.

Almere (a city and municipality of Flevoland, Netherlands)


Tilburg

First attested as tilliburgis in 709. Compound of Old Dutch tilli (“new agricultural land”) and burg (“fortified settlement, castle”). Compare Thull, Tiel, Tuil and Tull en 't Waal.

Meronyms: Bakertand, Berkeind, Berkel-Enschot, Berkhoek, Biezenmortel, Brem, De Kraan, Hazennest, Heuveltje, Heikant, Hooghout, Koningshoeven, Kouwenberg, Loonse Hoek, Moerenburg, Quirijnstok, Rugdijk, Schoorstraat, 't Hoekske, 't Winkel, Udenhout, Vijfhuizen, Zandkant

Tilburg (a city and municipality of North Brabant, Netherlands)


Rijsel

From Middle Dutch ijssel (“small island, islet”), calque of Old French l'Isle (“the Island”), itself from Latin Īnsula, from īnsula (“island”). The word has undergone resegmentation, like its French counterpart: ter ijsel (“at the islet”) was resegmented into te Rijsel.

(chiefly Belgium) Lille (the department capital of the Nord department, France; regional capital of Hauts-de-France)


Gorinchem

First attested as gornichem [read: gorinchem] around 1200. From Middle Dutch Gorichem, Gorinchem, from Old Dutch *Goringahēm, from *Goro (a personal name) + -ing (“belonging to, descending from”) + hēm (“home, place”).

Meronyms: Dalem, De Kooi

Gorinchem (a city and municipality of South Holland, Netherlands)


Assen

First attested as ascen in 1267-1268. Etymology unknown. Not derived from a personal name or Old Saxon asna (“rent, wage”).

unk

unknown

Meronyms: Anreep, Graswijk, Loon, Rhee, Schieven, Ter Aard, Ubbena, Witten, Zeijerveen, Zeijerveld

Assen (a city, municipality, and capital of Drenthe, Netherlands)


Franeker

→ English: Franeker

First attested as fronakre in 1085. From Old Frisian *Frāneker, from frāna (“royal, lordly”) + ekker (“field, acre”).
See also West Frisian Frjentsjer.

compound

Franeker (a city and former municipality of Waadhoeke, Friesland, Netherlands)


Bergen op Zoom

→ English: Bergen op Zoom

First attested as in villa qui dicitur bergon in 966. Derived from the dative plural form of Old Dutch berga (“hill, elevated place”). The identifying element zoom (“seam, edge”) was added later, possibly to distinguish the city from nearby Steenbergen.

inh

Meronyms: Halsteren, Heihoefke, Heimolen, Kijkuit, Kladde, Klutsdorp, Lepelstraat, Nieuwe Molen, Oude Molen, Slikkenburg, Spinolaberg, Vetterik, Vrederust, Waterkant, Zuidgeest

Bergen op Zoom (a city and municipality of North Brabant, Netherlands)


Elsenfors

(obsolete) Helsinki (the capital city of Finland)


The Bottom

Borrowed from English The Bottom, derived from a misinterpretation of Zealandic botte (“bowl”).

A village and capital of Saba, Netherlands


Goes

→ Latin: Goesius

First attested as curtagosu in 976. Derived from an ancient hydronym, which in turn derives from Old Dutch gus (“stream”).

Meronyms: Abbekinderen, Blauwewijk, Eindewege, Goese Sas, Kattendijke, Kloetinge, Monnikendijk, Noordeinde, Oude Veerdijk, Oud-Sabbinge, Planketent, Roodewijk, 's-Heer Arendskerke, 's-Heer Hendrikskinderen, Sluis De Piet, Tervaten, Waanskinderen, Wilhelminadorp, Wissekerke, Wolphaartsdijk

A city and municipality of Zeeland, Netherlands


Charkiv

Kharkiv, a city, raion and oblast in Ukraine.


Agga

Shortened from Den Haag (“The Hague”) or borrowed from Sranan Tongo Aga, itself from Dutch Den Haag.


Dordrecht

First attested as thuredrith and thuredrit in 1064. From Middle Dutch dordrecht, which had various spellings (thuredrith, durthric, ...). There is some uncertainty as to the origin, mainly that of the suffix -drecht.
Van Berkel and Samplonius (2006) derive the name from the Germanic elements *þurhw (“through”) + *driftiz (“creek, waterway”), as the name initially would have been applied to a waterway connecting the Dubbel to the Merwede.
Van Osta (1996), in an essay attempting to trace the origins of the toponymic suffix -drecht, gives an overview of proposed etymologies for the second element -drecht. He considers the derivation from *drifti- unlikely for various reasons; for example, the ft to cht change that this view supposes is contradicted by the fact that in earlier attestations and in dialects where this change did not happen until much later, -cht is always found instead of the expected -ft. In his conclusion he follows Pottmeyer (1929) in his view that the element likely is to be reconstructed as a noun derived from *draganą (“to pull, draw, carry”), but unlike Pottmeyer (who interprets it as a portage), Van Osta believes it refers to a waterway with a towpath. He also briefly mentions Dordrecht, accepting the view that the first element means through.
The old explanation, that the second element -drecht is derived from Latin traiectum (which is the case for the toponymic element -trecht in Utrecht for example), has been rejected by many scholars (due to the unexplained change of tr to dr, among other reasons), though the claim is still repeated by some authors. Van Osta treats this at length.

Meronyms: Dubbeldam, Kop van 't Land, Tweede Tol, Wieldrecht

Dordrecht (a city, municipality, and island in South Holland, Netherlands)


Brielle

First attested as briele in 1257. Derived from Middle Dutch briel (“enclosed woodland or park, market, square”).

A city and former municipality of Voorne aan Zee, South Holland, Netherlands


Rotjeknor

First attested in the early twentieth century.

(slang, sometimes derogatory) Nickname for Rotterdam


Vaticaan

Vatican City (a city-state in Southern Europe, an enclave within the city of Rome, Italy)


Kleef

From Middle Dutch clēve, derived from clif, clef, modern Dutch klif (“cliff”).

North Rhine-Westphalia
North Rhine-Westphalia

Kleve, Cleves, a town in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, near the Dutch border and the River Rhine


Doetinchem

First found in a Latin-language document from the year 838, mentioning a ‘villa Duetinghem’, a settlement with a small church. The first element appears to be the name of a family (compare Proto-Germanic *-ingaz); the second appears to be related to Proto-Germanic *haimaz. In 887, there is another mention of ‘Deutinkem’, a fortress with a church which had been given to the then bishop of Utrecht. The spelling has varied over the centuries, with ‘Duttichem’, ‘Duichingen’ and ‘Deutekom’ being just some examples. See also Dutch Low Saxon Deutekem, Dörkum.

Meronyms: Dichteren, Gaanderen, IJzevoorde, Kleindorp, Langerak, Nieuw-Wehl, Wehl, Wijnbergen

Doetinchem (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Enschede

First attested as anneschethe in 1119. Compound of an unclear first element and Old Dutch skētha (“boundary, border”).
See also Dutch Low Saxon Eanske.

Meronyms: Boekelo, Broekheurne, Driene, Glanerbrug, Lonneker, Rutbeek, Twekkelo, Usselo

Enschede (a city and municipality of Overijssel, Netherlands)


Deventer

First attested as dauentre in 840-849. Etymology uncertain. Perhaps derived from an ancient Celtic hydronym or a compound of either Old Dutch daf (“dead”) or *Dafa (a personal name) and *threo (“tree”). Compare Daventry.
See also Dutch Low Saxon Daeventer.

Meronyms: Apenhuizen, Averlo, Bathmen, Colmschate, De Bannink, Diepenveen, Dortherhoek, Frieswijk, Lettele, Linde, Loo, Molenbelt, Okkenbroek, Oude Molen, Oxe, Pieriksmars, Rande, Schalkhaar, Snipperling, Tjoene, Zuidloo

Deventer (a city and municipality, an Overijssel in the Netherlands)


Zwolle

* (Overijssel) First attested as swolle in 1129. Derived from Old Dutch *swolle (“elevated place”). The toponym refers to an incline in the landscape between the four rivers surrounding the city, i.e. the IJssel, Vecht, Aa and Zwarte Water. The hill was the only piece of land that would remain dry during the frequent floodings of the rivers. Zwolle was established on that incline. Compare Zweeloo.
* (Oost Gelre) First attested as suellen in 1234. Derived from Middle Dutch swelle (“hill, elevated place”). Compare Zweeloo.
The surname derives from one of the toponyms.

Meronyms: De Lichtmis, De Ruiten, Haerst, Harculo, Herfte, Hoog Zuthem, Langenholte, Oldeneel, Spoolde, Wijthmen, Windesheim, Zalné

Zwolle (a city, municipality, and capital of Overijssel, Netherlands)


Schiedam

First attested as dicho de scie in 1204. From Schie (name of a river) + dam. The river Schie was dammed in the Middle Ages.

Meronym: Windas

Schiedam (a city and municipality of South Holland, Netherlands)


Vlaardingen

First attested as flardingis around 1018. Derived from the dative plural form of the hydronym Vlaarding, potentially derived in turn from Old Dutch *flard (“ragged strip”) (here referring to strips of land in the river) suffixed with the collectivising suffix -ing-.

Meronym: Zuidbuurt

Vlaardingen (a city and municipality of South Holland, Netherlands)


Bree

First attested as britte in 1007. Etymology uncertain. Potentially derived from Proto-Germanic *brida (“plank, board”) suffixed with the locative suffix *-ja-.

Meronyms: Beek, Gerdingen, Opitter, Tongerlo


Amersfoort

First attested as amersfoirde in 1028. Compound of the hydronym Amer (likely identical or cognate to Eem) and Old Dutch furda (“ford, crossing”). Compare Amerongen.

Meronyms: Buurtsdijk, Coelhorst, Hoogland, Hooglanderveen, Stoutenburg-Noord, Zeldert

Amersfoort (a city and municipality of Utrecht, Netherlands)


Vreeland

First attested as vredelant in 1260. Derived from Middle Dutch vredelant (“land where peace is enforced”). Originally the name of a castle.

A city and former municipality of Stichtse Vecht, Utrecht, Netherlands


Merk

Marck (a city in the Pas-de-Calais department, France)


Tholen

First attested as de tholle in 1261. Derived from Middle Dutch tolle (“tollhouse”) or tolne (“tollhouse”).
See also Zealandic Tole.

Meronyms: Anna Jacobapolder, Botshoofd, De Rand, De Sluis, Gorishoek, Het Oudeland, Malland, Molenvliet, Mosselhoek, Onder de Molen, Oud Kerkhof, Oud-Vossemeer, Poortvliet, Scherpenisse, Schoondorp, Sint-Annaland, Sint-Maartensdijk, Sint Philipsland, Stavenisse, Steenenkruis, Strijenham, Westkerke

A city, municipality, and island in Zeeland, Netherlands


Lelystad

From Lely + stad (“town, city”). The former after Cornelis Lely, one of the planners of the land reclamation projects in the former Zuiderzee. The name was given in 1952.

Lelystad (a city, municipality, and capital of Flevoland, Netherlands)


Philipsburg

Borrowed from English Philipsburg, a compound of Philips (a surname) and burg. Named after John Philips, a Scottish officer in Dutch service.


Grave

First attested as grauen in 1214. Derived from Middle Dutch grave (“excavated watercourse”), related to modern graf.

A city and former municipality of Land van Cuijk, North Brabant, Netherlands


Harlingen

First attested as herlinge in 1232-1233. Derived from a compound of Old Frisian Harilo (a personal name) suffixed with the collectivising suffix -ingi-. The Dutch form of the toponym was borrowed from an earlier version of the Frisian name.
See also West Frisian Harns.

Meronyms: Almenum, De Blijnse, IJslumburen, Koetille, Koningsbuurt, Luidum, Midlum, Ungabuurt, Voorrijp, Wijnaldum

Harlingen (a city and municipality of Friesland, Netherlands)


Meppel

Potentially attested as meppele in 1141, attested with certainty as apud mappele in 1298-1304. Etymology unknown. Unlikely to be cognate to English maple, Old Saxon mapulder (“maple tree”). It is uncertain whether the element lo (“light forest”) is present in the toponym. Compare Meppen and Meppen.
See also Dutch Low Saxon Möppelt.

unk

unknown

Meronyms: Broekhuizen, De Kolk, De Schiphorst, Kolderveen, Kolderveense Bovenboer, Nijentap, Nijeveen, Nijeveense Bovenboer, Rogat

Liever dood in een greppel dan wonen in Meppel. (colloquial quip)

One'd rather lie dead in a ditch than live in Meppel.

Meppel (a city and municipality of Drenthe, Netherlands)


Culemborg

First attested as in kulenburg in 1281. Compound of regional kuil (“kolk lake”) and burg (“fortified settlement, castle”).

Meronym: Goilberdingen

Culemborg (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Hattem

First attested as hatheim around 800-850. Compound derived from the tribal name of the Hatti and heem (“home, settlement”).
See also Dutch Low Saxon Attem.

Hattem (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Wageningen

/ˈʋaː.ɣəˌnɪ.ŋə(n)/

First attested as wagenunge in the 12th century. Derived from Old Dutch Wagano (a personal name) suffixed with the rare collective suffix -ung-.

Meronyms: Nude, Wageningen-Hoog

Wageningen (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Elburg

First attested as elburg in 1225. Etymology uncertain. Several interprations of El- have been proposed, ranging from a personal name to a reference to the city being located on an elevated section of land to a derivation from a term related to elleboog (“elbow”) (impossible because of the presence of -n- in older forms of the word, see Middle Dutch elne (“elbow”)). A derivation from Middle Dutch *helberg (“hill among low-lying terrain”) is also unlikely. The use of ter elborch implies that the second element is Middle Dutch borch (“castle, fortified settlement”). See also Elspeet.

inh

Meronyms: Aperloo, Doornspijk, Hoge Enk, Lage Bijssel, Nieuwstad, Oostendorp, 't Harde, Wessinge

Elburg (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Tiel

First attested as dioli in 850-865. Etymology uncertain. Possibilities include a derivation from Middle Dutch tuyl (“agricultural land”) or from a term related to Middle Low German tûl (“copse”). Compare Thull, Tilburg, Tuil and Tull en 't Waal.

Meronyms: Bergakker, Drumpt, Kapel-Avezaath, Medel, Passewaaij, Wadenoijen, Zennewijnen

Tiel (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Nijkerk

First attested as nyenkercke in 1333-1334. Compound of Middle Dutch nij (“new”) and kerk (“church”).
See also Dutch Low Saxon Niekark.

Meronyms: Achterhoek, Appel, De Veenhuis, Doornsteeg, Driedorp, Hoevelaken, Holk, Holkerveen, Kruishaar, Nekkeveld, Nijkerkerveen, Palestina, Prinsenkamp, Slichtenhorst, 't Woud, Wullenhoven

Nijkerk (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Coevorden

First attested with certainty as koiforde in 1148. Equivalent to koe (“cow”) + voorde (“ford, crossing”). Compare Oxford.
See also Dutch Low Saxon Coevern.

Meronyms: Aalden, Achterste Erm, Ballast, Benneveld, Dalen, Dalerpeel, Dalerveen, De Haar, De Kiel, De Mars, Den Hool, Diphoorn, Eldijk, Erm, Gees, Geesbrug, Grevenberg, Holsloot, Hoogehaar, Kibbelveen, Klooster, Langerak, Meppen, Nieuwe Krim, Noord-Sleen, Oosterhesselen, Padhuis, Pikveld, Schimmelarij, Schoonoord, Sleen, Steenwijksmoer, Stieltjeskanaal, 't Haantje, Valsteeg, Veenhuizen, Vlieghuis, Vossebelt, Wachtum, Weijerswold, Wezup, Wezuperbrug, Zweeloo, Zwinderen

Coevorden (a city and municipality of Drenthe, Netherlands)


Zutphen

First attested as sutphem in 1101. Etymology uncertain. Potentially derived from a compound of Old Dutch sūth (“south-, southern”) and either fene (“peat bog, fen”) or fenne (“pasture, swampland”).
See also Dutch Low Saxon Zutfent.

Meronyms: Bronsbergen, De Hoven, Leesten, Warken, Warnsveld

Zutphen (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Harderwijk

/ˌɦɑr.dərˈʋɛi̯k/

* (Gelderland) First attested as harderewich and herderewich in 1231. Etymology uncertain. A compound formed from either herder (“shepherd”) or harde (“solid, hard soil”) and wijk (“settlement, village”) is one possibility. Derivations from a shallow area near the city called Het Harde or Old Dutch Hardheri (a personal name) have also been proposed. Compare Hierden, Heerde and 't Harde. See also Dutch Low Saxon Harderwiek.
* (Noord-Holland) Attested as Harderwijk in 1764. Potentially named after the city.

Meronyms: Duinen, Frankrijk, Hierden

Harderwijk (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Lochem

First attested with certainty as lochem in 1188. Potentially a compound derived either from Middle Dutch locke (“garlic, Allium”) or Old Dutch loc (“hole, opening”) and heem (“home, settlement”).

Meronyms: Almen, Ampsen, Armhoede, Barchem, De Schoolt, Eefde, Epse, Exel, Gorssel, Groot Dochteren, Harfsen, Joppe, Klein Dochteren, Kring van Dorth, Langen, Laren, Nettelhorst, Oolde, Quatre Bras, Zwiep

Lochem (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Apeldoorn

First attested as appoldro in 790-793. Derived either from Old Dutch apuldra- (“apple tree”) or apuldron, or from a dative plural version of Proto-Germanic *apuldra- (“apple trees”). Compare Aperloo, Appeltern, Ter Apel, Apuldram, Apeldorn and Appeldorn.
See also Dutch Low Saxon Apeldoorne.

Meronyms: Assel, Beekbergen, Beemte-Broekland, De Haere, De Jonas, De Krim, Engeland, Gerritsflesch, Groenendaal, Hoenderloo, Hoog Buurlo, Hoog Soeren, Klarenbeek, Lieren, Loenen, Meerveld, Nieuw-Milligen, Oosterhuizen, Radio Kootwijk, Uddel, Ugchelen, Wenum-Wiesel, Woeste Hoeve, Zilven

Apeldoorn (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Doesburg

First attested as dusburg in 1025. Etymology uncertain. Perhaps a compound derived from Old Dutch dust (“brushwood”) or dôse (“mossy fen”) and burg (“reinforced settlement, castle”). Compare Donzel, Dunsborg, Duisburg, Duisenburg and Duisdorf.
See also Dutch Low Saxon Doezebarg.

Meronyms: Beinum, Molenveld, Wemmersweerd

Doesburg (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Zaltbommel

First attested as in bomala in 850. Etymology uncertain. Potentially a compound of zout (“salt”) and a compound element derived from Old Dutch bom (“tree”) and lo (“light forest”). The element zout potentially refers to trade in salt or, alternatively, to a tidal bore that drove seawater to the city. The interpretation of the first element as Proto-Germanic *salah- (“willow, Salix”) is incorrect. Compare Maasbommel.

cog

Meronyms: Aalst, Bern, Brakel, Bruchem, Delwijnen, De Rietschoof, Gameren, Kerkwijk, Nederhemert-Noord, Nederhemert-Zuid, Nieuwaal, Poederoijen, Poederoijensehoek, Zuilichem

Zaltbommel (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Arnhem

First attested as arneym in 893. Compound derived from Old Dutch Aro (“a personal name”) or Arn (a personal name) (both deriving in turn from Proto-Germanic *arnu- (“eagle”)) and heem (“home, settlement”).
The surname is derived from the toponym.

Meronyms: De Praets, Elden, Schaarsbergen, Terlet, 't Vlot

Arnhem (a city, municipality, and capital of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Zevenaar

First attested as subenhara around 1047. Etymology uncertain. Potentially a compound of a personal name and Old Dutch *hara (“sandy ridge”).

Meronyms: Aerdenburg, Aerdt, Angerlo, Babberich, Bahr, Bevermeer, Bingerden, Geitenwaard, Giesbeek, Herwen, Holthuizen, Kijfwaard, Kwartier, Lathum, Lobith, Ooy, Pannerden, Oud-Zevenaar, Spijk, Tolkamer, Tuindorp, Veldhuizen, Zweekhorst

Zevenaar (a city and municipality of Gelderland, Netherlands)


Middelburg

From middel- (“middle”) + burg (“fortified settlement, castle”).
* (Zeeland) First attested as mittelburgenses in 1102-1105.
* (Zuid-Holland) First attested as middelburgh in 1316. The toponym contrasts with Randenburg.

af

Meronyms: Arnemuiden, Brigdamme, Kleverskerke, Nieuw-Abeele, Nieuw- en Sint Joosland, Oudedorp, Schellach, Sint Laurens

Middelburg (a city, municipality, and capital of Zeeland, Netherlands)


Emmen

* ( Drenthe) First attested as in emne in 1139. Etymology unknown. Potentially derived from a prehistoric hydronym. Compare Emen and Holtemme.
* (Overijssel) First attested as eme in 1301. Potentially derived from Middle Dutch eem (“water”).

unk

unknown

Meronyms: Amsterdamscheveld, Barger-Compascuum, Barger-Erfscheidenveen, Barger-Oosterveen, Barger-Oosterveld, Emmer-Compascuum, Emmer-Erfscheidenveen, Erica, Ermerveen, Foxel, Klazienaveen, Koelveen, Middendorp, Munsterscheveld, Nieuw-Amsterdam, Nieuw-Dordrecht, Nieuw-Schoonebeek, Nieuw-Weerdinge, Noordbarge, Oosterse Bos, Oranjedorp, Roswinkel, Schoonebeek, Schutwijk, Veenoord, Weerdinge, Weiteveen, Westenesch, Westerse Bos, Wilhelmsoord, Zandpol, Zuidbarge, Zwartemeer

A city and municipality of Drenthe, Netherlands without city rights


Valkenburg

* (Limburg) First attested as de castello de Falcomonte in 1121. Compound of valk (“falcon, Falco sp.”) and a second element that is either burg (“castle, fortified settlement”) or berg (“hill, elevated place”). See also Limburgish Valkeberg.
* (Zuid-Holland) First attested as ualcanaburg in 918-948. Compound of the genitive plural form of Old Dutch falko (“falcon, Falco sp.”) and burg (“fortified settlement, castle”).
The surname derives from one of the toponyms.

Valkenburg aan de Geul
Valkenburg aan de Geul#English

A city and former municipality of Valkenburg aan de Geul, Limburg, Netherlands


Zierikzee

First attested as siricasha in 1156. Compound of Old Dutch Siric (a personal name) and *aha (“body of water, river”). Compare Elkerzee.
See also Zealandic Zurrikzeê.

A city and former municipality of Schouwen-Duiveland, Zeeland, Netherlands


Wijk bij Duurstede

First attested as dorsteti nunc autem uuik nominata in 948. Derived from Old Dutch wīk (“special purpose settlement”) and the toponym Duurstede, a former castle named after the former trade settlement of Dorestad.

inh

Meronyms: Cothen, Den Oord, Dwarsdijk, Langbroek, Overlangbroek, Steenen Brug

A city and municipality of Utrecht, Netherlands


Weert

* (Weert) First attested with certainty as werd in 1155. Perhaps derived from Old Dutch werde (“land next to water, riverine island”), although there are no large rivers near the city. See also Limburgish Wieërt.
* (Meerssen) First attested as werde in 1335. Derived from weerd (“land next to water, riverine island”).

Meronyms: Altweerterheide, Boshoven, Breyvin, Crixhoek, De Berg, De Boberden, De Horst, Dijkerstraat, Hei, Houtbroek, Hushoven, Laar, Moesdijk, Rietbroek, Stramproy, Swartbroek, Tungelroy, Wisbroek

Weert (a city and municipality of Limburg, Netherlands)


Almelo

First attested as almelo in 1157. Likely a compound of Proto-Germanic *alma- (“elm, Ulmus sp.”) and lo (“light forest”).

Meronyms: Aadorp, Bavinkel, Bornerbroek, Tusveld

Almelo (a city and municipality of Overijssel, Netherlands)


Appingedam

/ˌɑ.pɪ.ŋəˈdɑm/

From Middle Dutch Appengadomme, Appengadamme, a compound of the hydronym Appa (derived from Old Dutch *apa (“river, stream”)) suffixed with the collectivising suffix -ing- and dam (“dam”).
See also Dutch Low Saxon n Daam, Appengedaam.

Appingedam (a city and former municipality of Eemsdelta, Groningen, Netherlands)


Alphen aan den Rijn

First attested as Albanianis around 300. Potentially derived from the hypothetical hydronym *Albhano-, derived in turn from Proto-Indo-European *alb- (“white, pale”). Compare the hydronym Elbe.

cog

Meronyms: Aarlanderveen, Bent, Benthorn, Benthuizen, Boskoop, De Roemer, Draaibrug, Gnephoek, Gouwsluis, Groenendijk, Hazerswoude-Dorp, Hazerswoude-Rijndijk, Heimansbuurt, Hogeveen, Hoorn, Koudekerk aan den Rijn, Laag Boskoop, Loete, Ridderbuurt, Rietveld, 's-Molenaarsbuurt, Spoelwijk, Voorweg, Westeinde, Zwammerdam

Alphen aan den Rijn
Alphen aan den Rijn#English

Alphen aan den Rijn (a city and municipality of South Holland, Netherlands) without city rights


Amstelveen

First attested as amestelrevene in 1308. From Amstel (“Amstel”, a river) + veen (“peat bog, marsh”).

compound

Meronyms: Bovenkerk, Nes aan de Amstel, De Zwarte Kat

Amstelveen (a city and municipality of North Holland, Netherlands) without city rights


Alkmaar

From Middle Dutch Alkmare, from Old Dutch Alkmare, Alcmare, Alcmere, Allecmere. Compound of an unclear first element and either Old Dutch mere (“lake”) or mare (“watercourse”). The first element has been variously linked to Old Dutch alk (“crow”) and *alke (“mud”). A derivation from Proto-Germanic *alha (“temple”) or *alha (“moose”) is unlikely. Compare Alkemade.

Meronyms: De Rijp, Driehuizen, Graft, Grootschermer, Koedijk, Kogerpolder, Markenbinnen, Noordeinde, Omval, Oost-Graftdijk, Oterleek, Oudorp, Schermerhorn, Starnmeer, Stompetoren, Ursem, West-Graftdijk, Zuidschermer

Alkmaar (a city and municipality of North Holland, Netherlands)


Caïro

From Italian Il Cairo, from Arabic اَلْقَاهِرَة (al-qāhira).

der

اَلْقَاهِرَة


Zoutleeuw

Meronyms: Budingen, Dormaal, Halle-Booienhoven, Helen-Bos

A city and municipality of Flemish Brabant, Belgium


Deinze

From "donsa" (probably old Dutch for 'moss').

Meronyms: Astene, Bachte-Maria-Leerne, Gottem, Grammene, Hansbeke, Landegem, Meigem, Merendree, Nevele, Petegem-aan-de-Leie, Poesele, Sint-Martens-Leerne, Vinkt, Vosselare, Wontergem, Zeveren


Dendermonde

Meronyms: Appels, Baasrode, Grembergen, Mespelare, Oudegem, Schoonaarde, Sint-Gillis-bij-Dendermonde


Tienen

Meronyms: Bost, Goetsenhoven, Hakendover, Kumtich, Oorbeek, Oplinter, Sint-Margriete-Houtem, Vissenaken

Tienen (a city in Flemish Brabant, Belgium)


Vilvoorde

Meronym: Peutie

Vilvoorde (a city in Flemish Brabant, Flanders, Belgium)


Hoogstraten

Meronyms: Meer, Meerle, Minderhout, Wortel

A city and municipality of Antwerp, Belgium


Herentals

From Middle Dutch Herenthals, from earlier Hernehals or Hernehalt, a compound of hērn (“hornbeam”) + hals (“narrow pass”).

com

Meronyms: Morkhoven, Noorderwijk


Mortsel

Meronym: Luithagen


Geel

The name is from the same source as the adjective geel (“yellow”) and dates back to the middle ages. Formerly spelled Gheel.

Meronyms: Bel, Elsum, Holven, Kievermont, Larum, Oosterlo, Punt, Stelen, Ten Aard, Winkelom, Winkelomheide, Zammel


Beringen

Meronyms: Beverlo, Koersel, Paal


Veere

First attested as ter veren, toter vere and voer de vere around 1305. Derived from Middle Dutch vere (“ferry, crossing”).
See also Zealandic Ter Veere.

Meronyms: Aagtekerke, Biggekerke, Boudewijnskerke, Buttinge, Dishoek, Domburg, Gapinge, Geldtienden, Grijpskerke, Groot-Valkenisse, Hoogelande, Klein-Valkenisse, Koudekerke, Krommenhoeke, Mariekerke, Meliskerke, Molembaix, Molenperk, Oostkapelle, Pitteperk, Poppendamme, Serooskerke, Sint Janskerke, Sint Jan ten Heere, Snabbeldorp, Vrouwenpolder, Werendijke, Westhoek, Westkapelle, Zoutelande

A city and municipality of Zeeland, Netherlands


Hilversum

First attested as hilfercem in 1305. Compound of Middle Dutch Hilfert (a personal name) and heem (“home, settlement”).

Meronyms: Egelshoek, Hilversumse Meent

Hilversum (a city and municipality of North Holland, Netherlands) without city rights


Sittard

First attested as Sithert between 1135 and 1180. Etymology uncertain. Proposed etymologies include a derivation from Old High German sîte (“mountainside”), Latin secretarium (“section of forest intended for logging”) or sectura (“common land”). Compare Zijtaart, Zittard and Zittert.
See also Limburgish Zitterd.

der

A city and former municipality of Sittard-Geleen, Limburg, Netherlands


Zoetermeer

First attested as soetermere. Compound of the hydronym Zoete and Middle Dutch mere (“lake, pool”) (modern meer). The first element was gradually reinterpreted to zoet (“potable, sweet”). Compare Zoeterwoude and Zwieten.

Meronym: Roeleveen

A city and municipality of South Holland, Netherlands without city rights


Delfzijl

First attested as in delfzilen in 1303. Compound of the hydronym Delf (derived from delven (“dig, excavate”)) and zijl (“discharge sluice”).
See also Dutch Low Saxon Delfziel.

A city and former municipality of Eemsdelta, Groningen, Netherlands


Oss

First attested as Old Dutch Os in 1069. Etymology unknown. Potentially derived from an ancient hydronym. No relationship with os (“castrated bull”). Compare Ussen.

unk

unknown

Meronyms: Achterste Heide, Benedeneind, Berghem, Boveneind, Demen, Deursen-Dennenburg, Dieden, Duurendseind, Elst, Geffen, Gement, Haren, Herpen, Huisseling, Keent, Kleine Koolwijk, Koolwijk, Lith, Lithoijen, Macharen, Maren-Kessel, Megen, Neerlangel, Neerloon, Oijen, Overlangel, Ravenstein, Teeffelen, 't Wild

Oss (a city and municipality of North Brabant, Netherlands)


Waalwijk

/ˈʋaːlˌʋɛi̯k/

First attested as walwic in 1200. Compound of either waal (“kolk lake”) or Proto-Germanic *walha (“Romanophone”) and wijk (“village, settlement”). Compare Vijlen, Waalbroek, Wahlwiller, Walem and Walik.

Meronyms: Baardwijk, Besoijen, Oosteind, Sprang-Capelle, Sprangsevaart, Vrijhoeve-Capelle, Waspik, Waspik-Zuid

Waalwijk (a city and municipality of North Brabant, Netherlands)


Veendam

First attested as Veendam in 1655. Compound of veen (“peat bog, marsh”) and dam (“dam”).

Meronyms: Borgercompagnie, Korte Akkers, Numero Dertien, Ommelanderwijk, Westerdiepsterdallen, Wildervank, Wildervanksterdallen, Zuidwending

A city and municipality of Groningen, Netherlands without city rights


Helmond

First attested as helmund in 1108. Etymology unknown. Proposed etymologies include a compound of dialectal hel (“low-lying”) and Old Dutch munte (“hill, place of refuge during flooding”) and a compound of the unattested hydronym Hel and mond (“mouth”).

unknown

cog

Meronyms: Berenbroek, Brouwhuis, Croy, De Weijer, Diepenbroek, Geeneind, Kloostereind, Kranenbroek, Kruisschot, Medevoort, Mierlo-Hout, Overbrug, Rijpelberg, Scheepstal, Stipdonk

Helmond (a city and municipality of North Brabant, Netherlands)


Landgraaf

First attested as Landgraaf in 1803-1820. Derived from landgraaf (“complex of earthen walls used to defend and delineate territory”). The name initially referred solely to the municipality, but gradually came to be applied to the conurbation within it. Compare Landerd and Landweert.

Meronyms: Hopel, Nieuwenhagen, Rimburg, Schaesberg, Waubach

A city and municipality of Limburg, Netherlands


Heusden

* (Heusden) First attested as husedinne in 1286. The toponym has been interpreted as Proto-Germanic *husid-inja- (“place of refuge, secure location”), in turn derived from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kewH- (“to hide, to occlude”) and related to Gothic 𐌷𐌿𐌶𐌳 (huzd, “treasure, hoard”), Old English hord (“hoard, treasure”) and Old Saxon hord (“hidden courtyard, treasure”). Alternative interpretations include Proto-Celtic *Kusidiniom (literally “settlement of Kusidinios”) and Proto-Germanic *hus-idh-umnjô- (“place of houses”). Compare Huizinge, Huisduinen and Opheusden.
* (Asten) First attested as Heusden in 1794. Etymology unknown. It is impossible to determine whether the toponym is related to that of the city of Heusden due to a paucity of old attestations.

inh

Meronyms: De Hoeven, Doeveren, Drunen, Elshout, Fellenoord, Giersbergen, Haarsteeg, Hedikhuizen, Heesbeen, Herpt, Kuiksche Heide, Luttelherpt, Nieuwkuijk, Oudheusden, Vlijmen, Voordijk, Wolfshoek

Heusden (a city and municipality of North Brabant, Netherlands)


Baarn

First attested as barne in 1308. The toponym is cognate to Middle Dutch bernen (“burn”) and berne (“fuel”).
Popular etymology holds that the city is named after Verona, but this origin story of the name is not backed up by the oldest attestations of the toponym.

Meronyms: Eembrugge, Lage Vuursche, Soestdijk

A city and municipality of Utrecht, Netherlands


Medemblik

First attested as medemolaca in 918-948. Derived from a compound of Old Frisian medeme (“middle, mid-”) and laca (“natural watercourse”). Originally a hydronym. Compare Oosterleek and Oterleek.

Meronyms: Abbekerk, Andijk, Bangert, Bennemeer, Benningbroek, Broerdijk, De Buurt, Hauwert, Het Hoogeland, Kerkbuurt, Koppershorn, Lambertschaag, Lekermeer, Midwoud, Munnikij, Nibbixwoud, Onderdijk, Oostwoud, Opperdoes, Sijbekarspel, Twisk, Veldhuis, Wervershoof, Wijzend, Wognum, Zomerdijk, Zwaagdijk-Oost, Zwaagdijk-West

A small city and municipality of North Holland, Netherlands


Roosendaal

First attested as in loco dicto rosendale in 1268. Compound of roos (“rose, Rosa sp.”) and a stretched variant of dal (“dale, valley”). The toponym is part of a family of names that became fashionable at the end of the 12th century.

Meronyms: Akker, Boeiink, Borteldonk, Brembosch, Bulkenaar, De Rotting, Everland, Haiink, Hazelaar, Heerle, Heijbeek, Hoevestein, Hollandsdiep, Hulsdonk, Kruisstraat, Moerstraten, Nieuwenberg, Nispen, Oostlaar, Plantage Centrum, Vijfhoek, Vinkenbroek, Visdonk, Vleet, Vroenhout, Wouw, Wouwse Hil, Wouwse Plantage, Zoomvliet

Roosendaal (a city and municipality of North Brabant, Netherlands)


Dokkum

First attested as tochingen in 802-822. Potentially derived from the dative plural form of Old Frisian Dokko (a personal name) suffixed with the collectivising suffix -ingi- or, alternatively, from dokke (“type of plant, dock”). Compare Docking.

A city and former municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân, Friesland, Netherlands


Bolsward

First attested as BODLISWERT in 1038-1057. Derived from a compound of Old Frisian *Bodil (a personal name) and wert (“terp, artificial mound used for habitation”). The Dutch form of the toponym was borrowed from an earlier version of the Frisian name. See also West Frisian Boalsert.

A city and former municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân, Friesland, Netherlands


IJlst

First attested as jleke and yleke in the 13th century. Etymology unclear. Proposed etymologies from a hydronym *î-laki or from Old Frisian yl (“callus”) (referring here to hardened soil) do not match the oldest attestations. The Dutch form of the toponym was borrowed from an earlier version of the Frisian name.
See also West Frisian Drylts.

unk

unclear


Workum

First attested as waltercom in 1297. Derived from a compound of Old Frisian Waldrik (a personal name) and hēm (“home, settlement”). The Dutch form of the toponym was borrowed from an earlier version of the Frisian name.
See also West Frisian Warkum.


Hoorn

* (Noord-Holland) First attested as hoern in 1289. Derived from Middle Dutch horne (“protruding bend, corner”).
* (Friesland) First attested as horon in 1482. Borrowed from West Frisian Hoarne, derived in turn from Old Frisian horn (“protruding bend, corner”).
* (Gelderland) First attested as hoerne in 1333-1334. Derived from hoorn (“protruding piece of land”).
* (Groningen) First attested as Hoorn in 1634. Derived from hoorn (“prominent bend, corner”).
* (Alphen aan den Rijn, hamlet) First attested as De Hoorn Polder in 1615. Derived from hoorn (“prominent bend, corner”).
* (Alphen aan den Rijn, neighbourhood) The neighbourhood is named after the hamlet.

der

Meronyms: Blokker, Zwaag

A city and municipality of North Holland, Netherlands


Kampen

* (Overijssel) First attested as in campis in 1217. Derived from the dative plural form of kamp (“enclosed piece of land”).
* (Friesland) First attested as kam in 1486. Calque of West Frisian De Kampen, derived from the plural form of Old Frisian kamp (“enclosed piece of land”).
* (Zeeland) Attested as Kampen in 1747. Derived from the dative plural form of kamp (“enclosed piece of land”).

Meronyms: Bisschopswetering, De Heuvels, De Roskam, De Zande, Grafhorst, Hogeweg, IJsselmuiden, Kampereiland, Kamperveen, Mastenbroek, Nieuwstad, Oosterholt, 's-Heerenbroek, Veecaten, Wilsum, Zalk

A Hanseatic city and municipality of Overijssel, Netherlands


Kerkrade

First attested as ad ecclesiam in predio quod est Rode in 1108. Compound of kerk (“church”) and rode (“land cleared of trees”) (from Middle Dutch rods, ultimately related to Proto-West Germanic *ruddjan (“to clear”)).
See also Central Franconian Kirchroa.

Meronyms: Eygelshoven, Ham


Stavoren

First attested as stavron in the 10th or beginning of the 11th century. Presumably derived from the dative plural form of Old Frisian staver (“pole”). The Dutch form of the toponym was borrowed from an older version of the Frisian name. Compare Spijkenisse, Staverden, Stavenisse and Stavern.
See also West Frisian Starum.


Sloten

* (Friesland) First attested as sloten in 1384. Calque of Old Frisian slāt (“ditch, dug watercourse”) in the dative plural form. See also West Frisian Sleat.
* (Noord-Holland) First attested as sloton in the first half of the 11th century. Derived from the dative plural form of the hydronym Slote, derived in turn from Old Dutch slōt (“ditch, dug watercourse”). Formerly an independent village.

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De Fryske Marren
De Fryske Marren#English

A city and former municipality of De Fryske Marren, Friesland, Netherlands


Heerlen

First attested as Late Latin Coriouallum and Corioualum around 300. Derived from a Germanic calque of an earlier Celtic name. The Germanic term is a compound of Proto-Germanic *harja- (“army”) and *walla (“wall”). An alternative theory posits that the Germanic term was calqued into Celtic. Proposed derivations from *harila (“small sandy ridge”) or a compound of Old Dutch her (“army”) and le (“burial mound”) are incorrect. Compare Heel and Heerle.
See also Limburgish Heële.

Meronyms: Benzenrade, Hoensbroek, Hondsrug, Schurenberg, Ten Esschen


Gennep

* (Limburg) First attested as in pago Ganipi in 949. Derived from a hydronym analysable as a compound of Proto-Germanic *gan- (“bright, confluent”) and *apa (“river, current”) suffixed with the locational suffix *-ja-. Compare Genemuiden and Genne.
* (Noord-Brabant) First attested as in ghennepe in 1249. Derived from a hydronym analysable as a compound of Proto-Germanic *gan- (“bright, confluent”) and *apa (“river, current”) suffixed with the locational suffix *-ja-. Compare Genemuiden and Genne.

der

Meronyms: Aaldonk, Dam, De Looi, Diekendaal, Heijen, Hekkens, Milsbeek, Ottersum, Smele, Ven-Zelderheide, Zelder


Hindeloopen

First attested as hitinkufe and hintinlvofe around 822-825. Derived from a compound of Old Frisian hinda (“hind, female deer”) and hlop (“jump, leap”), apparently referring to a lower section of fencing which deer could jump over. The Dutch form of the toponym was borrowed from an older version of the Frisian name. Compare Hindlip.
See also West Frisian Hylpen.


Oldenzaal

First attested as aldenselen in 893. Compound of Old Dutch ald (“old”) and a variant of sale (“hall house”).
See also Dutch Low Saxon Oldnzel.

Oldenzaal (Hanseatic city and municipality of Overijssel, Netherlands)


Venlo

First attested as uennelon around 1100. Possibly a compound of ven (“small pool in a forest or heath”) and lo (“light forest”). Alternatively a compound of veen (“bog, marsh”) and lo (“pool”).

Meronyms: Arcen, Belfeld, Blerick, Boekend, Bolenberg, Bong, Brandemolen, De Krosselt, De Voort, Egypte, Geloo, Hanik, Hasselderheide, Hasselt, Het Vorst, Hout-Blerick, Leemhorst, Lingsfort, Lomm, Schandelo, Steyl, Tegelen, 't Ven, Veld, Velden, Vilgert, Wielder

Venlo (a city and municipality of Limburg, Netherlands)


Roermond

First attested as de Ruremunde in the mid-12th century. Compound of the hydronym Roer (derived from either a Germanic root cognate with Old Saxon hrôra (“movement”), Old English hrôr (“motile, lively”) and modern Dutch roeren (“stir”) or from Proto-Indo-European *reu- (“dig”) with suffixed -r) and mond (“mouth”). The interpretation of mond as a derivation from Old Dutch munte (“mountain, refuge hill”) (cf. Urmond) is incorrect.
See also Limburgish Remunj.

inh

Meronyms: Aan de Rijksweg, Asenray, Asselt, Boukoul, De Weerd, Einde, Heide, Herten, Leeuwen, Maalbroek, Maasniel, Merum, Ool, Spik, Straat, Swalmen, Thuserhof, Wieler

Roermond (a city and municipality of Limburg, Netherlands)


Schagen

First attested as scagha at the end of the 11th century. Derived from the dative plural form of Old Dutch scaga (“copse, thicket”).

Meronyms: Abbestede, Bliekenbos, Burgerbrug, Burgervlotbrug, Callantsoog, De Stolpen, Dijkstaal, Dirkshorn, Eenigenburg, Groenveld, Groote Keeten, Grootven, Grotewal, Het Korfwater, Huiskebuurt, Kalverdijk, Keinse, Keinsmerbrug, Kerkbuurt, Krabbendam, Lagedijk, Leihoek, Mennonietenbuurt, Nes, Oudesluis, Petten, Schagerbrug, Schagerwaard, Schoorldam, Sint Maarten, Sint Maartensbrug, Sint Maartensvlotbrug, Sint Maartenszee, Slootgaard, Stolpervlotbrug, Stroet, 't Buurtje, Tjallewal, Tolke, 't Rijpje, Tuitjenhorn, 't Wad, 't Zand, Valkkoog, Waarland, Warmenhuizen, Woudmeer, Zijbelhuizen, Zijpersluis


Brunssum

First attested as brunsham around 1170-1180. Compound of Old Dutch Brun (a personal name) and ham (“alluvial land in the bend of a river”).
See also Limburgish Broenssem.

Meronyms: Bouwberg, Rumpen, Treebeek


Beverwijk

First attested as beuorhem in 918-948. Compound of Old Dutch bevur (“beaver, Castor fiber”) and wīk (“farmstead, village, settlement”).

Meronym: Wijk aan Zee


Winschoten

Potentially attested as winsewida in the 13th century, attested with certainty as windschoter in 1391. Compound of Old Dutch Windo (a personal name) and kot (“cottage, shack, small farm”).
See also Dutch Low Saxon Winschoot.

A city and former municipality of Oldambt, Groningen, Netherlands


Enkhuizen

First attested as enchusen around 1305. Compound of Middle Dutch enge (“farmland next to a village”) and the plural form of huus (“house”).

Meronyms: Oosterdijk, Westeinde


Steenwijk

First attested with certainty as stenwic in 1206. Compound of Old Dutch steen (“stone”) and wijk (“farmstead, village, settlement”).
See also Dutch Low Saxon Stienwiek, Steenwiek.

A city and former municipality of Steenwijkerland, Overijssel, Netherlands


Ommen

First attested as de vmme in 1133. Etymology unknown. Potentially derived from a prehistoric hydronym. Not derived from a personal name.

unk

unknown

Meronyms: Archem, Arriën, Arriërveld, Beerze, Beerzerveld, Besthmen, Eerde, Giethmen, Hoogengraven, Junne, Lemele, Nieuwebrug, Ommerbosch, Ommerkanaal, Ommerschans, Ommerveld, Rotbrink, Stegeren, Stegerveld, Varsen, Vilsteren, Vinkenbuurt, Witharen, Zeesse

A city and municipality of Overijssel, Netherlands


Vollenhove

First attested as fulnaho in 944. Compound of the genitive plural form of Old Dutch ful (“foal”) and hô (“elevated place”). The toponym was gradualy reinterpreted as a compound of vol (“full”) and hoeve (“farmstead”). Compare Holthone, Meddo and Wiene.
See also Dutch Low Saxon Veno.


's-Gravenzande

First attested as harena comitis in 1200. Calque of Medieval Latin arena (“sand”) and the genitive form of comes (“count”).

A city and former municipality of Westland, South Holland, Netherlands


Schoonhoven

First attested as sconhouen in 1247. Compound of Middle Dutch scone (“clean, free of weeds”) and the plural form of hove (“piece of land of a certain size”).

inh

A city and former municipality of Krimpenerwaard, South Holland, Netherlands


Leerdam

First attested as lerdamme in 1265. Compound of the hydronym Lede (derived from Middle Dutch lede (“excavated or canalised watercourse”)) and dam (“dam”).

A city and former municipality of Vijfheerenlanden, Utrecht, Netherlands


Goor

* (Overijssel) First attested as gora and gore in 1027-1054. Derived from Old Dutch gore (“marshy forest soil”).
* (Noord-Brabant) Attested as Ghoir in 1794. Derived from goor (“marshy forest soil”).

A city and former municipality of Hof van Twente, Overijssel, Netherlands


Woerden

First attested as wirda sometime after 786. Derived from the dative plural form of Old Dutch uurth (“artificial mound used for habitation”) or Old Frisian uurth (“artifical mound used for habitation”).

cog

Meronyms: Barwoutswaarder, Bekenes, Breeveld, Breudijk, Geestdorp, Gerverscop, Haanwijk, Harmelen, Harmelerwaard, Houtdijken, Indijk, Kamerik, Kanis, Kromwijk, Lagebroek, Mijzijde, Oud-Kamerik, Reijerscop, Rietveld, 's-Gravensloot, Teckop, Teylingen, Zegveld

A city and municipality of Utrecht, Netherlands


Hardenberg

* (Overijssel) First attested as herdenborg in 1229-1230. Potentially a compound of Middle Dutch herde (“hard”) and berg (“hill, elevated place”). An alternative hypothesis interprets the name as a compound of herde (“fortified, strong”) and burch (“fortified settlement, castle”). Compare Montfort, Montfoort, Sterkenburg and Stoutenburg. See also Dutch Low Saxon Hadnbarreg, 'n Arnbarg.
* (Groningen)

Meronyms: Achterin, Ane, Anerveen, Anevelde, Balkbrug, Benedenvaart, Bergentheim, Braamberg, Brucht, Bruchterveld, Collendoorn, Collendoornerveen, De Belt, Dedemsvaart, De Haandrik, De Haar, De Krim, De Maat, De Meene, Den Huizen, Den Kaat, Den Oosterhuis, Den Velde, Den Westerhuis, De Pol, De Schans, Diffelen, Ebbenbroek, Engeland, Gouden Ploeg, Gramsbergen, Groot-Oever, Hanekamp, Hardenbergerveld, Heemse, Heemserveen, Holtheme, Holthone, Hoogenweg, Keiendorp, Kievitshaar, Kloosterhaar, Loozen, Lutten, Lutten-Oever, Lutterhartje, Lutterveld, Mariënberg, Mulderij, Noord-Stegeren, Oud-Avereest, Oud-Bergentheim, Oud-Lutten, Rheeze, Rheezerveen, Schuinesloot, Sibculo, Slagharen, Sluis 6, Sluis 7, Sponturfwijk, Strooiendorp, 't Bergje, 't Haantje, Venebrugge, Witman


Hengelo

/ˈɦɛ.ŋəˌloː/

* (Overijssel) First attested as hof to henghele in 1381-1383. Likely a compound of Middle Dutch heinge (“enclosure”) and lo (“light forest”), although it is difficult to say whether this is the actual etymology of the toponym due to a paucity of old attestations. Compare Hengelder, Hengevelde and Hengforden.
* (Gelderland) First attested as heingelon in 965. Compound of Middle Dutch heinge (“enclosure”) and lo (“light forest”). Compare Hengelder, Hengevelde and Hengforden.
See also Dutch Low Saxon Hengel.

Meronyms: Beckum, Oele, Woolde

A city and municipality of Overijssel, Netherlands without city rights, near Enschede and Almelo


Ameide

First attested as ameyde in 1266. Derived from Middle Dutch ameide (“heavy barrier, rotating fence”).


Vianen

* (Utrecht) First attested as vyanen around 1270. Derived from French Vienne, the name of a city in southern France. Originally the name of a castle.
* (Noord-Brabant) First attested as de Heide Vianen in 1803-1820. Named after the town near Utrecht.


Rhenen

First attested as uilla hreni in 855. Potentially derived from Proto-Germanic *hraini (“clean, pure”) suffixed with the toponymic suffix *ja- or from a compound of the hydronym Rijn and Old Dutch hēm (“home, settlement”).

Meronyms: Achterberg, Elst, Laareind, Remmerden


Den Helder

First attested as de Helderbuyert in 1577. Etymology unknown. Unlikely to be derived from hil (“hill, elevated place”), helle (“low-lying land”) or helde (“slope”). Potentially derived from the surname Helder.

unk

unknown

Meronyms: Blauwe Keet, De Kooy, Friese Buurt, Huisduinen, Julianadorp

A city and municipality of North Holland, Netherlands without city rights


Bronkhorst

* (Gelderland) First attested as brunchorst in 1128-1139. Compound of brunk (an ablauted form of brink (“edge, village common”)) and horst (“overgrown hillock”). Despite having only 90 inhabitants, Bronkhorst received city rights in 1482 and is therefore classed as a city.
* (Noord-Brabant) Attested as weilanden genaamd Bronkhorst in 1848. Potentially derived from Bronkhorst (a surname).
The surname derives from one of the toponyms.

A city and former municipality of Bronckhorst, Gelderland, Netherlands


IJsselstein

First attested as yselsteyne in 1279. Compound of the hydronym IJssel and Middle Dutch stein (“stone building, castle”). The city developed around a castle owned by the Van Amstel family.

inh

Meronyms: Achtersloot, Klaphek


Mazengarve

Mazingarbe (a city in the Pas-de-Calais department, France)


Mardijk

Mardyck (a city in the Nord department, France)


Marsenne

Marchiennes (a city in the nord department, France)


Willemstad

* (Curaçao) Compound of Willem (a personal name) and stad (“city”). Named after William II of Orange (1626-1650).
* (Noord-Brabant) First attested as Willemstat in 1639. Compound of Willem (a personal name) and stad (“city”). Named after William I of Orange (1533-1584).
* (Friesland) Attested as Willemstad (De) in 1899. Etymology uncertain. Possibly named after one of the first inhabitants or by a local family. The hamlet may also have been named after Willemstad in Noord-Brabant, which had heroically resisted a French siege in 1793. See also Dutch Low Saxon De Willemstad and West Frisian Willemstêd.
* (Groningen) First attested as WILLEMSTAD (DE) in 1849. Named after Willemstad in Noord-Brabant by a group of veterans of the Ten-Day Campaign.

A city and former municipality of Moerdijk, North Brabant, Netherlands


Oranjestad

* (Aruba) Compound of Oranje + stad (“city”). The city is named after William I of the Netherlands.
* (Sint Eustatius) Compound of Oranje + stad (“city”).

The capital city of Sint Eustatius, Netherlands


stad achter de duinen

Literally, “city behind the dunes”, from the city's location on the North Sea coast. Popularized by the 1982 song O, o, Den Haag, which features the line O, o, Den Haag, mooie stad achter de duinen in its chorus.


Domstad

Compound of dom (“cathedral”) + stad (“city”), named after the episcopal seat in the Dom Church of Utrecht.


Hofstad

Compound of hof (“court”) + stad (“city”). Named after the Binnenhof, which originally was the seat of the Counts of Holland and now houses the Dutch parliament.

De Hofstad met haar grote Indische gemeenschap was de belangrijkste scene van de indorock.

The Hague, with its large community of Indo descent, was the most important scene of Indo rock.

(always with definite article) The Hague


Bredevoort

First attested as breideruord in 1188. Compound of breed (“broad”) and voort (“ford”).
See also Dutch Low Saxon Breevoort.

A city and former municipality of Aalten, Gelderland, Netherlands


Terborg

First attested as castelli de wische in 1311. Compound of ter (“at”) and Middle Dutch borch (“castle”). Named after a castle that was the seat of the fiefdom of Wisch.

Oude IJsselstreek
Oude IJsselstreek#English

A city and former municipality of Oude IJsselstreek, Gelderland, Netherlands


's-Heerenberg

First attested as berga in the twelfth century. Compound of heer (“lord”) and Old Dutch berge (“hill, elevated place”) with genitive prefix 's-. The city became the seat of the fiefdom of Bergh in 1486.

A city and former municipality of Montferland, Gelderland, Netherlands


Delden

* (Overijssel) First attested as thelden in 1036. Etymology uncertain. Possible etymologies include a derivation from a term cognate to Old Norse dæld (“small depression in the landscape”) or a derivation from a term cognate to Old Norse þel (“ground, soil”) with collectivising suffix *-iþi. See also Dutch Low Saxon Dealdn.
* (Gelderland) First attested as thelden in 966. Etymology uncertain. Possible etymologies include a derivation from a term cognate to Old Norse dæld (“small depression in the landscape”) or a derivation from a term cognate to Old Norse þel (“ground, soil”) with collectivising suffix *-iþi.


Laag-Keppel

First attested as borch keppell in 1452. Compound of laag (“low”) and Old Dutch keppele (“chapel”). The element laag was added to distinguish the settlement from Hoog-Keppel.

A city in Bronckhorst, Gelderland, Netherlands


Groenlo

First attested as gronlo in 1188. Compound of Old Dutch grôn (“green”) and lo (“light forest”). Compare Grolloo and Rolde.
See also Dutch Low Saxon Grolle.

A city and former municipality of Oost Gelre, Gelderland, Netherlands


Borculo

First attested as burkelo in 1190. Compound of Proto-Germanic *burgôn- (“a kind of tree or forest”) and lo (“light forest”). The precise interpretation of *burgôn- is a matter of some debate. The element is most likely related to *birkô- (“birch, Betula sp.”). Compare Borgele, Borkel en Schaft, Bulkenaar, Schipborg and Westerbork.
See also Dutch Low Saxon Borklo.

inh

A city and former municipality of Berkelland, Gelderland, Netherlands


Staverden

First attested as apud staveren in 1290. Likely derived from the plural of a term cognate to Old Saxon stavor (“pole, stick”) and Old English stæfer (“pole, rod”). A derivation from a compound composed of stave (“wand, wooden pole”) and heri (“sandy ridge”) is less likely. Compare Stavoren and Stavern.

A city in Ermelo, Gelderland, Netherlands


Oosterhout

* (Noord-Brabant) First attested as hosterholte in 1156. Compound of ooster (“eastern, east-”) and hout (“rising deciduous forest”). The element ooster was added to distinguish the settlement from Den Hout.
* (Overbetuwe) First attested as ostreholt at the end of the 11th century. Compound of ooster (“east, eastern”) and hout (“rising forest”).
* (Nijmegen) Named after the neighbouring village.

Meronyms: Baarschot, Den Hout, Dorst, Eind van Den Hout, Groenendijk, Heikant, Heistraat, Hespelaar, Klein Oosterhout, Oosteind, Seters, Steenoven, Ter Aalst, Ter Horst, 't Hoekske, Vijfhuizen, Vrachelen

A city and municipality of North Brabant, Netherlands


Heukelum

/ˈɦøː.kəˌlʏm/

First attested as ukele in 966. Compound of Old Dutch *hukil (“hill, elevated place”) and heem (“home, settlement”). Compare Heukelom, Hoekelum, Hoog-Heukelom and Laag-Heukelom.

A city and former municipality of West Betuwe, Gelderland, Netherlands


Asperen

First attested as asperen in 893. Etymology uncertain. One proposed etymology interprets the name as a derivation from a hydronym in turn derived from Old Dutch aspa (“aspen, Populus tremula”) with the suffix -arô-. Hydronyms are rarely derived from tree names, however. It is more likely that the toponym is derived from an older hydronym Proto-Germanic *Aspurô, which might in turn be derived from *aspa- (“bend, hook”). Compare Afferden, Asper and Asperden.


Batenburg

Potentially attested as batenburg in 1076-1081, attested with certainty as battenburg in 1166. Perhaps a compound of Old Dutch bata (“good”) and burg (“fortified settlement, castle”). A different interpretation identifies this settlement with Batavodurum.

A city and former municipality of Wijchen, Gelderland, Netherlands


Steenbergen

* (Noord-Brabant) First attested as steinberghe and stenberghe in 1267. Compound of steen (“stone”) and the dative plural form of berg (“hill, elevated place”). The element steen may have been added to distinguish the city from nearby Bergen op Zoom.
* (Noordenveld) First attested as van Steenberghen in 1531. Derived from a compound of steen (“stone”) and the dative singular form of berg (“hill, elevated place”). Named after a nearby dolmen. See also Dutch Low Saxon Steeinbargen.
* (De Wolden) First attested as steenberghes in 1431. Derived from a compound of steen (“stone”) and the dative singular form of berg (“hill, elevated place”). See also Dutch Low Saxon Stienbargen.
* (Noord-Holland) First attested as Steenberge in 1839-1859. Derived from a compound of steen (“stone”) and the dative singular form of berg (“hill, elevated place”).

Meronyms: Blauwe Sluis, Bloemendijk, Boompjesdijk, De Bocht, De Heen, De Overval, Dinteloord, Dintelsas, Drenkhoos, Heense Molen, Koevering, Kruisland, Nieuw-Vossemeer, Notendaal, Rolaf, 't Haantje, Visberg, Waterhoefke, Welberg, Wildenhoek, Zwarte Ruiter


Huissen

First attested as husnin in 850-865. Etymology unknown. The settlement of hosenheim mentioned in 814-815 is not Huissen.

unk

unknown

A city and former municipality of Lingewaard, Gelderland, Netherlands


Gendt

First attested as in gannite in 790-793. Etymology uncertain. Proposed derivations from Proto-Germanic *ganda- (“wide, widened”), *gan-ita (“confluence of two rivers”) or from a term cognate to Old Norse gandr (“straight current”) are not backed up by the oldest attestations of the toponym. Compare Gent.


Hulst

* (Zeeland) First attested as hulst in 1108. Derived from Old Dutch huls (“holly, Ilex aquifolium”) suffixed with the collectivising suffix -t.
* (Noord-Brabant) First attested as ten hulse in 1309. Derived from Middle Dutch huls (“holly, Ilex aquifolium”).

inh

Meronyms: Absdale, Baalhoek, Clinge, Drie Hoefijzers, Duivenhoek, Emmadorp, Fluitershoek, Graauw, Groenendijk, Halfeind, Heikant, Hengstdijk, Kalverdijk, Kampen, Kamperhoek, Kapellebrug, Keizerrijk, Kloosterzande, Knuitershoek, Krabbenhoek, Kreverhille, Kruisdorp, Kruispolderhaven, Kuitaart, Lamswaarde, Luntershoek, Margret, Molenhoek, Nieuw-Namen, Noordstraat, Ossenhoek, Ossenisse, Oude Stoof, Paal, Patrijzenhoek, Pauluspolder, Perkpolder, Prosperdorp, Roverberg, Ruischendegat, Schapershoek, Scheldevaartshoek, Schuddebeurs, Sint Jansteen, Sluis, Statenboom, Stoppeldijkveer, Strooienstad, Tasdijk, Terhole, 't Hoekje, Vijfhoek, Vogelfort, Vogelwaarde, Walenhoek, Walsoorden, Zandberg, Zeedorp, Zeegat

A city and municipality of Zeeland, Netherlands


Ravenstein

First attested as ravesteyn in 1460. Compound of Middle Dutch Walraven (a personal name) and stein (“castle, stone building”). Originally the name of a castle around which the city sprung up.

A city and former municipality of Oss, North Brabant, Netherlands


Megen

First attested as meginun in 721-722. Etymology unknown. Proposed derivations from a hydronym or a compound of a personal name and heem (“home, settlement”) do not match the oldest attestations.

unk

unknown


Zevenbergen

* (Moerdijk) First attested as zeuenbercg in 1288. Compound of zeven (“seven”) and the dative plural form of berg (“hill, elevated place”).
* (Bernheze) Attested as Zevenbergen in 1899. Compound of zeven (“seven”) and the dative plural form of berg (“hill, elevated place”).


Sint-Oedenrode

First attested as A. Rodae Comitis in the 12th century. Compound of Sint (“saint”), Oda (a personal name) and rode (“land cleared of trees”). Named after Saint Oda of Scotland, who fled from Scotland to Brabant and became a hermit, reportedly somewhere near the future city.

A city and former municipality of Meierijstad, North Brabant, Netherlands


Woudrichem

First attested as uualderinghe in the 10th or 11th century. Compound of Old Dutch Waldeher (a personal name) suffixed with the collectivising suffix -ing- and heem (“home, settlement”).

A city and former municipality of Altena, North Brabant, Netherlands


Geertruidenberg

First attested as apud Montem Sancte Gertrudis in 1213. Compound of Geertruid (a personal name) and berg (“hill, elevated place”). Named after Saint Gertrude of Nivelles.

Meronyms: De Bergen, De Laan, Keizersveer, Raamsdonk, Raamsdonksveer, Statendam


Klundert

First attested as die clunder in 1537. Derived from Middle Dutch clunder (“lump, clod”) with emphatic -t. Compare Fijnaart, Kladde , Klaterbuurt, Klatering, Kletterbuurt and Kleuter.

A city and former municipality of Moerdijk, North Brabant, Netherlands


Sint-Maartensdijk

First attested as agger Sancti Martini in 1281. Compound of the name of Saint Martin of Tours and dijk (“levee”).
See also Zealandic Smerdiek.

A city and former municipality of Tholen, Zeeland, Netherlands


Brouwershaven

First attested as brijdorpersluis around 1305. Likely a compound of Brouwer (a surname) and haven (“harbour”). Compare Biervliet.
See also Zealandic Brouwes'aeven, Brouw.

A city and former municipality of Schouwen-Duiveland, Zeeland, Netherlands


Kortgene

First attested as cortkeen and cortekene in 1247. Compound of kort (“short”) and keen (“gully, creek”). Originally a hydronym.
See also Zealandic Kortjeen.

A city and former municipality of Noord-Beveland, Zeeland, Netherlands


Domburg

First attested as dumburch in 1181-1210. Compound of Proto-Germanic *dun- (“dune”) and burg (“fortified settlement, castle”).

A city and former municipality of Veere, Zeeland, Netherlands


Westkapelle

First attested as westcapella in 1102-1105. Compound of west (“west-, western”) and Middle Dutch capelle (“chapel”). So named to distinguish the settlement from Oostkapelle.
See also Zealandic Waschappel, Wasschappel, Weskappel.


Vlissingen

→ English: Flushing

First attested as vlissinghe in 1235. Derived from Old Dutch Flisso (a personal name) suffixed with the collectivising suffix -ing-.
See also Zealandic Vlissienge.

Meronyms: Groot-Abeele, Oost-Souburg, Ritthem, Welzinge, West-Souburg

Flushing (a city and municipality of Zeeland, Netherlands)


Arnemuiden

First attested as arnemuda in 1233. Compound of the hydronym Arne and the dative plural form of muide (“mouth”). The hydronym Arne either derives from Proto-Indo-European *er- (“move”) or from an older form Rinne through metathesis.
See also Zealandic Erremu, Erremuje.

A city and former municipality of Middelburg, Zeeland, Netherlands


Sas van Gent

First attested as Tzas in 1573. Derived from sas (“lift-lock”) and the toponym Gent.
See also Zealandic Sas.

A city and former municipality of Terneuzen, Zeeland, Netherlands


Sluis

* (Sluis) First attested as sluse in 1290. Derived from sluis (“lock, sluice”). Named after a former lock. See also Zealandic Sluus.
* (Utrecht) Derived from sluis (“lock, sluice”). Named after a nearby sluice.
* (Hulst) Attested as De 3 Gezusters, Drie Gezusters in 1838-1857. Derived from sluis (“lock, sluice”). The alternative name Drie Gezusters ("Three Sisters") refers to the hamlet's location next to a levee called the Drie Gezustersdijk.

Meronyms: Aardenburg, Akkerput, Bakkersdam, Balhofstede, Biezen, Boerenhol, Breskens, Cadzand, Cadzand-Bad, De Munte, De Pas, Draaibrug, Eede, Groede, Heille, Het Zwindorp, Hoofdplaat, Hoogeweg, IJzendijke, Kapitalendam, Klakbaan, Klein-Brabant, Koninginnehaven, Kruisdijk, Kruishoofd, Maagd van Gent, Maaidijk, Marolleput, Moershoofde, Molentje, Mollekot, Nieuwesluis, Nieuwland, Nieuwvliet, Nieuwvliet-Bad, Nummer Een, Oostburg, Oostburgsche Brug, Oudeland, Oudemenne, Plakkebord, Ponte, Ponte Avancé, Pyramide, Retranchement, Ronduit, Roodenhoek, Sasput, Scherpbier, Schoondijke, Sint Anna ter Muiden, Sint Kruis, Sint Pieter, Slapershaven, Slijkplaat, Slikkenburg, Sluissche Veer, Smedekensbrugge, Steenhoven, Steenoven, Stroopuit, Terhofstede, Tragel, Turkeye, Valeiskreek, Veldzicht, Vuilpan, Waterlandkerkje, Waterloo, Zuidzande


Oostburg

First attested as osborch in 949. Compound of oost (“east-, eastern”) and burg (“fortified settlement, castle”).
See also Zealandic Wòstburg.

A city and former municipality of Sluis, Zeeland, Netherlands


Aardenburg

First attested as rodenburgh in 966. Compound of an unclear first element and burg (“fortified settlement, castle”). The first element may be a Celtic hydronym *Rodana, rood (“red”), or a term derived from the Latin governmental designation pagus Rodanis. The first element was gradually reinterpreted as aarden (“earthen”). Compare Roomburg, Rotenburg an der Fulda and Rodborough.
See also Zealandic Erreburg, Aerenburg.


IJzendijke

First attested as isendica in 1127. Compound of Old Dutch Iso (a personal name) and dijk (“levee”).
See also Zealandic Iezendieke, Izendieke.


Sint Anna ter Muiden

First attested as in muda in 1273. Derived from the name of Saint Anne and muiden (“river mouth”). The name of Saint Anne was added to distinguish the settlement from Muiden.
See also Zealandic Sint Anna ter Mu.


Terneuzen

First attested as nose in 1340. Compound of an inflected form of te (“at”) and Middle Dutch nose (“headland, spit”).
See also Zealandic Neuzen.

Meronyms: Altena, Axel, Biervliet, Boerengat, Bouchauterhaven, De Knol, De Muis, De Ratte, De Sluis, De Sterre, Drieschouwen, Driewegen, Fort Ferdinandus, Griete, Hasjesstraat, Hoek, Hoek van de Dijk, Isabellahaven, Kamperse Hoek, Kijkuit, Klein Gent, Koewacht, Kwakkel, Magrette, Mauritsfort, Molenhoek, Nieuwe Molen, Nieuwlandse Molen, Oude Molen, Oude Polder, Overslag, Paradijs, Passluis, Philippine, Poonhaven, Posthoorn, Reedijk, Reuzenhoek, Rode Sluis, Sas van Gent, Schapenbout, Sint Andries, Sluiskil, Spui, Steenovens, Stroodorpe, Vaartwijk, Val, Waterhuis, Westdorpe, Wulpenbek, Zaamslag, Zaamslagveer, Zandplaat, Zandstraat, Zuiddorpe, Zwartenhoek


Biervliet

First attested as birulit in 1183. Originally a hydronym. The hydronym is a compound of Proto-Germanic *birnu- (“manure, dreck”) or bier (“beer”) and vliet (“running watercourse”). Compare Brouwershaven.


Grafhorst

First attested as grafhorst in 1277. Compound of Middle Dutch graf (“grave”) and horst (“overgrown elevated place”).
See also Dutch Low Saxon Graffest.

A city and former municipality of Kampen, Overijssel, Netherlands


Genemuiden

First attested as genemuden in 1275. Compound of the hydronym Genne (derived from Proto-Germanic *gan- (“bright, shining”)) and the dative plural form of Old Dutch *mūtha (“mouth”), an Ingvaeonic variant of munt (cf. Old Saxon, Old Frisian mūth). Compare Genne and Gennep.
See also Dutch Low Saxon Gällemuden.

A city and former municipality of Zwartewaterland, Overijssel, Netherlands


Gramsbergen

First attested as bergene in 1227. Compound of Old Dutch Gram (a personal name) and berg (“hill, elevated place”).
See also Dutch Low Saxon Gramsbargen, Grambarge.

A city and former municipality of Hardenberg, Overijssel, Netherlands


Rijssen

First attested as risnen in 1188. Etymology unknown. Perhaps derived from (a term cognate to) rijs (“twig, brushwood”).
See also Dutch Low Saxon Riesn.

unk

unknown

A city and former municipality of Rijssen-Holten, Overijssel, Netherlands


Diepenheim

First attested with certainty as diepenheim in 1134. Compound of diep (“low-lying”) and either Old Dutch hem (“home, settlement”) or ham (“alluvial land in the bend of a river”).
See also Dutch Low Saxon Deepn.

A city and former municipality of Hof van Twente, Overijssel, Netherlands


Ootmarsum

First attested as othmarshem in the 9th century. Compound of Old Dutch Othmar (a personal name) and heem (“home, settlement”). Compare Witmarsum.
See also Dutch Low Saxon Oatmörsken, Oatmörske.

A city and former municipality of Dinkelland, Overijssel, Netherlands


Sneek

First attested as sneke in the 13th century. Derived from Old Frisian snik (“protruding, tapering”). The Dutch form of the toponym was borrowed from an older version of the Frisian name.
See also West Frisian Snits.

der

A city and former municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân, Friesland, Netherlands


Goedereede

First attested as goederreede in 1332. Compound of Middle Dutch goet (“good”) and rede (“roadstead”).
See also Zealandic Goereê.

A city and former municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee, South Holland, Netherlands


Geervliet

First attested as gervliet in 1195. Derived from a compound of Old Dutch ger (“tapering, protruding piece of land”) and fliet (“natural watercourse”).

inh

A city and former municipality of Nissewaard, South Holland, Netherlands


Heenvliet

First attested as heenvlite in 1254. Compound of Middle Dutch heen (“sea clubrush, Bolboschoenus maritimus”) and vliet (“watercourse”).


Nieuwpoort

* (Zuid-Holland) First attested as nove ville and nova villa in 1283. Compound of Middle Dutch niuw (“new”) and poort (“city, harbour”).
* (Utrecht)

A city and former municipality of Molenlanden, South Holland, Netherlands


Haastrecht

First attested as havekesdret in 1108. Compound of Old Dutch Haveke (a personal name) and dreht (“ferry, watercourse”).

A city and former municipality of Krimpenerwaard, South Holland, Netherlands


Maassluis

First attested as mafelandersluse in 1367. Compound of the toponym Maasland and Middle Dutch sluse (“sluice, lock”).

A city and municipality of South Holland, Netherlands


Kralendijk

First attested around 1840. Derived from a contracted compound of koraal (“coral”) and dijk (“levee”). Named after a levee.

The capital city of Bonaire, Netherlands


Naarden

First attested as naruthi in the 10th century. Derived from Proto-Germanic *narwa (“narrow, tight”) suffixed with the collectivising suffix *-uþi. The toponym may refer to a location where narrow watercourses were present.

A city and former municipality of Gooise Meren, North Holland, Netherlands


Muiden

First attested as amuthon in 918-948. Derived from a compound of Old Dutch ā (“watercourse, river”) and the dative plural form of Old Dutch *mūtha (“mouth”) (a variant with Ingvaeonic loss of the nasal before a dental with compensatory lengthening of the preceding vowel; contrast "standard" Istvaeonic munt) or of Old Frisian mūtha (“mouth”); this latter element (modern Dutch muide) referring to its location at the mouth of the Vecht river, with the dative being used as a dative of location. The first element was gradually lost.


Weesp

First attested as wesepa in 1131. Compound of an unclear first element and Old Dutch *apa (“river, watercourse”). The first element may be Proto-Germanic *wisi (“good”) or Proto-Indo-European *weis (“flow, stream, stream out”).
Compare Wesepe, Wezep and Wezup.

cog

A city and former municipality of Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands


Monnickendam

First attested as monnickendam and monikendamme in 1288. Compound of Middle Dutch monic (“monk”) and dam (“dam”). Either named directly after a dam built by the monks of the Mariëngaarde monastery in Friesland or after a dam in the Monnikemeer lake, also named after monks from Mariëngaarde.

A city and former municipality of Waterland, North Holland, Netherlands


Zaandam

First attested as zaenderdam in 1316. Compound of the hydronym Zaan and Middle Dutch dam (“dam”).

A city and former municipality of Zaanstad, North Holland, Netherlands


Bunschoten

First attested as bonscoten in 1294. Compound of an unclear first element and the dative plural form of Middle Dutch schoet (“piece of land which juts upwards”). The first element has been linked to Proto-Germanic *bunjô (“elevated place, height”) and Old English bune (“reed”).
Compare Bonnen, Buinen and Bunne.

cog

Meronyms: Bonte Poort, Eemdijk, Spakenburg, Zevenhuizen

A city and municipality of Utrecht, Netherlands


Eemnes-Binnen

First attested as emnesse in 1269. Derived from a compound of the hydronym Eem and Middle Dutch nesse (“headland, spit”). The element binnen (“within”) refers to the village's location within the area protected by a former levee and was included to distinguish the settlement from Eemnes-Buiten.


Eembrugge

First attested as orientale parte ecclesie de ema in 1254. Compound of the toponym Eem and Middle Dutch brucge (“bridge”).


Eemnes-Buiten

First attested as emnesse in 1269. Derived from a compound of the hydronym Eem and Middle Dutch nesse (“headland, spit”). The element buiten (“without”) refers to the village's location outside of the area protected by a former levee and was included to distinguish the settlement from Eemnes-Binnen.


Montfoort

First attested as montfort around 1179. Likely named after a locality in France, possibly French Montfort-l’Aumary. Originally the name of a castle. Compare Hardenberg, Montfort, Sterkenburg and Stoutenburg.

Meronyms: Achthoven, Blokland, Cattenbroek, Heeswijk, Knollemanshoek, Linschoten, Mastwijk, Willeskop


Oudewater

First attested as ovdewatere in 1239. Compound of Middle Dutch out (“old”) and water (“water”). Originally a hydronym. The hydronym gradually came to be applied to the city; the watercourse it referred to was renamed to Linschoten.

Meronyms: Diemerbroek, Hekendorp, Hoenkoop, Lange Linschoten, Papekop, Ruigeweide, Snelrewaard, Tappersheul, Vliet


Kortrijk

First attested as kurtryke and kortrike in 1217. Derived from Middle Dutch Kortrike (“Courtrai”), from earlier Medieval Latin forms Curtraco, Curtriaco, Corturiacensis, as old as Late Latin Cortoriacenses around 400.
Seemingly ultimately of Celtic origin, from the name *Kortoriako(n) with the common placename suffix -ensis. The Celtic word could be based on a Gallo-Roman name Curtorius, perhaps a Latinized Celtic name of unknown meaning (compare currere (“to run”)) with the common Proto-Celtic suffix *-ākos (“belonging to”). Thus, the final meaning would be something like "related to property or land owned by someone named Curtorius."
The hamlet is named after the city in Belgium. Compare Demmerik, Hoograven, Laagraven, Kamerik, Kockengen, Parijsch, Pavijen, Portengen, Snel en Polanen and Spengen.

Meronyms: Aalbeke, Bellegem, Bissegem, Heule, Kooigem, Marke, Rollegem

A city, municipality, and arrondissement of West Flanders, Belgium


Dilsen-Stokkem

Meronyms: Dilsen, Elen, Lanklaar, Rotem, Stokkem


Maaseik

First attested as eche in 1139. Compound of the hydronym Maas and Middle Dutch eike (“oak, Quercus robur”). The element Maas was added to distinguish the settlement from Aldeneik and Kessel-Eik.
See also Limburgish Mezeik.

inh

Meronyms: Aldeneik, Berg, De Riet, Dorne, Heppeneert, Gremelslo, Neeroeteren, Opoeteren, Schootsheide, Siemkensheuvel, 't Ven, Voorshoven, Waterloos, Wurfeld