Kõrige

Kõrige is a toponym used in Estonia for several small settlements and historical villages. It does not denote a single, prominent place, but rather appears in multiple localities across the country, typically in rural areas. Because of Estonia’s administrative changes over time, the exact status and jurisdiction of places named Kõrige have varied; some sites remain distinct villages, while others have become part of larger municipalities or are recorded as former settlements.

Etymology

The name is likely derived from the Estonian word kõrge meaning “high” or “tall,” combined with the common place-name suffix -ge. This pattern is seen in other Estonian toponyms and may reflect a geographic feature such as an elevated area, ridge, or hill.

Geography and administration

Locations named Kõrige are generally small, with few or no inhabitants recorded in recent censuses. They are spread across different historical counties, and current administrative affiliations depend on municipal reforms implemented from 2017 onward. In some cases, the name persists in parish or village records even when the exact settlement footprint has changed.

History and records

Kõrige appears in historical land registers, maps, and parish documents dating from the 18th or 19th centuries. In some instances, the toponym preserves older forms that predate modern administrative boundaries, reflecting long-standing place-naming traditions in the region.

Notes

In Estonian geography, multiple places may share the same name, so context is important to identify a specific Kõrige. For precise location, consult the Estonian Place Names database or regional parish archives.