English Place-name Society

Survey of English Place-Names

A county-by-county guide to the linguistic origins of England’s place-names – a project of the English Place-Name Society, founded 1923.

Dartmouth

Major Settlement in the Parish of Dartmouth

Historical Forms

  • Dærentamuðan, to Dærentamuðan 11th ASC 1049
  • Dertamuðan, to Dertamuðan 11th ASC 1050
  • Dertemuthe 1231 Cl 1377 Cl
  • Deretemuwe 1233 Bracton
  • Dertesmuth' 1234 Cl
  • Dartemuth 1265 Abbr
  • Clifton Dertemuth juxta Kyngeswere 1307 Ass
  • Clifton Dertemuth juxta Stokeflemyng 1313 Ass
  • Clifton Dertemuth and Hardenesse 1327 Orig
  • Clifftoundertemouthe Hardenasse 1416 ADvi
  • Dartemouth Hardenysse 1516,1522 BM
  • Southtoundertemouth 1416 ADvi

Etymology

'At the mouth of the Dart' (supra 4). The borough of Dartmouth consisted originally of three distinct places, Clifton infra , Dartmouth, and Hardness. The last name (v. næss ) refers to the ridge of land running from Townstal infra to the ferry (ex inf. Mr H. Watkin).