When Waltham was first settled in the 1600's, it was named after Waltham, England, which was pronounced "wall" "thumb" with the emphasis on the "wall". Along the way between then and now, the "thumb" mutated into the Massachusetts sound of "ham", into "Wall" "thamb", still with the emphasis on the first syllable. I can't begin to guess how they pronounce it in Waltham, Maine. Walt-hum?
For more tips on pronouncing places in New England, check out The Wicked Good Guide to Boston English.
Waltham Community home page
Copyright © 2014 by Waltham Community Web LLC. All rights reserved.
Contact Scott Shurr at
sshurr@gmail.com
Updated: 18 July 2014