The suffix: kill as in "Fishkill", etc.

Posted by Word Camel on June 14, 2004

In Reply to: The suffix: kill as in "Fishkill", etc. posted by Ward on June 14, 2004

: : I have just returned from a trip where I passed many places with names such as "Fishkill", "Wallkill", "Peekskill" and "Beaverkill" It brought to mind "Shankill" as in the "Shankill" Road in Ireland. Does anyone know if it has a particular meaning?

: : Word Camel...
: : Who is knackered but didn't want to forget to ask.

: I grew up in Tarrytown New York, so you must have passed right by. Hope you had a good visit.
: This is old Dutch country, and the suffix kill comes from the Old Dutch word 'kille' meaning riverbed or channel. When you see a xkill in New York it will be on or close to some body of water.

Thanks. I was indeed in a traffic jam in Tarry town not three hours ago. :)