Valkenswaard

Dutch

Etymology

First attested as wederde and wederze in the first quarter of the 13th century. Derived from Old Dutch weder (“castrated ram”) with collectivising suffix *-iþi. The toponym was gradually reinterpreted as a compound of valk (“falcon, Falco sp.”) and waard (“land next to water”). This reinterpretation was given a boost by the thriving falconry industry that developed in the (then) village in the 18th century.

Pronunciation

  • Hyphenation: Val‧kens‧waard

Proper noun

Valkenswaard n

  1. A town and municipality of Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.

Derived terms

  • Valkenswaarder
  • Valkenswaards
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