Beaver Kill

Posted by Lewis on June 14, 2004

In Reply to: Shankill posted by Bob 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. :)

: : : : In the Gaelic languages, 'kill' is an anglicisation of 'cill' meaning 'church.' Similarly, 'shan' comes from the Gaelic word 'sean' meaning 'old.' So, Shankill = old church.

: : :
: : : Love placename origins and spotting similarities.

: : : 'kill' like 'kirk's. germanic origin 'kirk' for 'church' along with 'minster' a big church or cathedral. 'cathedral' from 'cedera' (or sedera?)(L'tin for) seat, like Welsh 'caer'. Seat similar to 'See' = bishopric.

: : : similar sound to - cill, kirk, church, cedera, caer, cathedral.

: : Interesting, which confirms the Dutch origin of these places "Beaver church"? I don't think so *grin*

: : Camel
: : Who is just about resisting the urge to make a joke about shelags (which I'm misspelling - sorry)

: She lags the energy.

I've heard of beaver hunting, but worshipping them?
it's a long way from noting "Nice beaver" to erecting a spire to them.