Alphen

Etymology

 * (Noord-Brabant) First attested as alfheim in 719. Compound of an unclear first element and . The first element has been variously interpreted as and.
 * (Gelderland and Zuid-Holland) See respectively and.
 * (Former municipality) Named after.

Proper noun

 * 1) Any of multiple towns and/or municipalities in the Netherlands:
 * , a city and municipality in.
 * , a village in.
 * , a municipality in.
 * , a village in.
 * , a municipality in.

Usage notes
Alphen in Noord-Brabant is always referred to simply as "Alphen", as it is not close to any bodies of water. Alphen aan den Rijn and Alphen aan de Maas are only referred to as "Alphen" in local contexts or when the speaker is sure his or her interlocutor knows which settlement is being referred to.