what does the place name prefix "Alhama de" mean?

Question

We have encountered a few place names in Spain that start with "Alhama de". For instance there is Alhama de Granada and Alhama de Murcia. I assume it is an arabic derivative.

Thank you

Answer 1

Alhambra. It means a fortress, a fortification or a castle. I'm just assuming this from the places where the name occurs. I think I'm right, for once I will lay money on my own answer.!

P.S. If you have a decent sauna, it's best to but up a good castle around it, you know what tourists are like, they take over everything..

I'll take that bet. - 0074b507, Nov 12, 2011

Darn! That's quite a structure. - 0074b507, Nov 12, 2011

yes, as usual, my ladbrokes account is suffering.. Your answer is now odds on, mine 3-1 against. - annierats, Nov 12, 2011

But, if you've never been, it's well worth a look, spectacular! - annierats, Nov 12, 2011

Answer 2

Saw this is article on Alhama de Aragon

In the Roman era it became known as Aquae Bilbilitanorum, a reference to the waters of Augusta Bilbilis, the Latin name for Calatayud. The modern name derives from the Arabic Al-Hammam, meaning "the baths".

Saw this in article on Alhama de Granada

Alhama de Granada es conocida por sus baños termales árabes (de los que procede su propio nombre, al-Hama, que significa "el baño") y que darían lugar al actual Balneario, y por sus imponentes...

Saw this in article on Alhama de Murcia

El término Alhama alude a las aguas curativas de sus manantiales, Al- hamma significa “baño termal”, este recurso natural será citado en varios escritos por cronistas árabes.

alhama

El nombre de Alhama, derivado del árabe, con significado los baños –ver Hammam–, puede referirse a varios lugares de España:

Well doen, g freed! - annierats, Nov 12, 2011

I've put a euro on, I just hope the euro will become obsolete during the night, then I can write the loss off. - annierats, Nov 12, 2011