Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Boudon(e) Hy3 For 1275 RH 1279 Cl 1458 ShefBC

• Bouwedon(e), Bowedon(e) 1285 For

• Bowdon 1328 SR 1346 Cor 17th

• Baudon, Bawdon 1373 Pat 1408 ShefBC 1431 FA early17th

• Bowden 1576 Lanc 1616 DbAxvi

• Mikilboudone 1330 Ass

• Bowden Edge 1556 DbAxxxiv

• Bowdon Edge 1587 FF 1802 SaleCat

Etymology

The hall stands on the slopes of a rounded hill and the name must be compared with the numerous Devon examples of Bowden (PN D 37–8 etc.) and is 'curved, well-rounded hill', v. boga , dūn , cf. also Bowden Fm (PN W 338). It is distinguished once as Mikilboudone 1330Ass (v. micel), whilst the township is later often called Bowden Edge 1556 DbA xxxiv, Bowdon Edge 1587FF , 1802SaleCat (v. ecg ).