Hoven

Hoven is a Dutch noun that generally refers to enclosed outdoor spaces associated with buildings, typically courtyards or yards. It is the plural form of hof, which can denote a courtyard, a garden, a farmyard, or, in historical contexts, a manor or estate. In architectural and urban-historical writing, hoven describe the open courts found within or between structures—such as a cloister court in a monastery, a central courtyard in a noble residence, or the inner yards of a row of houses.

Linguistic and toponymic notes: The word has roots in Old Dutch hof and is cognate with related words in German and English. The plural form hoven is used when speaking of multiple courtyards or in compound place names that reflect past or present courtyard layouts. Hoven can also appear as a surname in Dutch-speaking regions, originating from a person associated with a hof or courtyard estate.

Contemporary usage: In modern Dutch, the term is primarily encountered in historical discussions, architectural descriptions, and in some place names or family names. The concept remains relevant in descriptions of traditional Dutch urban design, where inner courtyards, hofjes, and enclosed spaces play a role in housing and social arrangements.