Ekeren is a northern district located within the municipality of Antwerp in the Flemish Region of Belgium. The area is recognized as a suburb with a history dating back several centuries.
The name of the town was first recorded in 1155 as "Hecerna." It celebrated its 850th birthday in 2005. Historical theories regarding the etymology of the name suggest it may originate from Vikings who settled in the area during the ninth century, potentially linked to the use of local oak trees.