Corantijn
/ˌkoː.rɑnˈtɛin̯/noun
A major river forming much of the border between Suriname and Guyana, also known as the Corentyne or Courantyne River.
Did you know?The Corantijn is not merely a river name: its spelling reflects Dutch colonial mapping, while the older Indigenous source has never been securely identified.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-colonial period
Indigenous South American languages
Uncertain
“The river evidently had an Indigenous name before European mapping, but the source language and original meaning are not securely established.”
16th–17th Century
European records
Corentyne / Courantyne
“Early European maps and accounts record varying spellings for the river’s name.”
17th Century
Dutch
Corantijn
“The Dutch colonial form used for the river in Suriname and regional cartography.”
19th Century
English
Corentyne
“An English form became common in British Guiana, now Guyana.”
Modern English
English
Corantijn River
“The internationally recognized river name, with Corentyne and Courantyne retained as variant forms.”
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