Ghents

Ghents is a plural form that can refer to residents of Ghent, or to multiple places bearing the name Ghent. In English usage, the term is uncommon as a standalone name for a single place; more often it appears when speaking of people from Ghent or when listing several locations named Ghent.

The most prominent Ghent is Ghent, Belgium (Dutch: Gent). It is a major city in the Flemish Region, situated at the confluence of the Scheldt and Leie rivers. Its historic center preserves medieval architecture and landmarks such as Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the Ghent Altarpiece; Gravensteen, a well-preserved medieval castle; and the Graslei and Korenlei canal fronts. The city is also an education hub through Ghent University, founded in 1817, and hosts a vibrant cultural scene, including the annual Gentse Feesten festival. Ghent maintains a busy port and has a diversified economy that encompasses services, education, manufacturing, and technology.

There are also towns named Ghent in the United States, including Ghent, New York, and Ghent, Kentucky, among others. These places reflect historical ties to European names and often preserve local histories distinct from Ghent, Belgium.

In demonym terms, residents of Ghent are commonly described as Ghent residents; in Dutch, they are Gentenaars. The plural form “Ghents” is rarely used in contemporary speech and is more likely to appear in historical or informal contexts when referring to people from Ghent.