våge

Våge is a Norwegian place name used for several coastal settlements across the country. It is not a single location; rather, multiple villages or hamlets carry the same name in different municipalities. Distinguishing between them requires reference to the associated county or municipality.

Etymology: The name is derived from Old Norse vágr, meaning bay or inlet, reflecting the coastal geography where the settlements are located. The form Våge is a modern Norwegian spelling of that root, retained in various place names along the coast.

Geography and history: Våge settlements are typically small, with histories tied to fishing, shipping, or light maritime industries. They are usually situated along fjords, harbors, or sheltered coves, where maritime activity has long shaped daily life and local culture.

Administration and identification: In maps and official records, the name Våge is usually qualified by the municipality (and county) to avoid confusion among the several places with the same name. This helps distinguish between distinct communities that share a common toponym.

See also: Related toponyms include Vågen and other forms derived from vágr, which share the same linguistic root and reflect coastal geographic features.