Boreham Wood
Early-attested site in the Parish of Elstree
Historical Forms
- bosci de Borham 1188 MP
- Boreham t.Ric1 Ch 1301
- wood of Boreham 1203 FF(Mx)
- Borham 1272 ADiv 1281 FF(Mx)
- nemus de c.1275 Gesta
- Burhamwode 13th ADiii
- Borhamwode 1329 Misc
- Barramwoode 1554 FF
Etymology
Boreham Wood is bosci de Borham 1188 MP, Boreham t. Ric 1 (1301) Ch, wood of Boreham 1203 FF (Mx), Borham 1272 AD iv, 1281 FF (Mx), (nemus de ) c. 1275 Gesta, Burhamwode 13th AD iii, Borhamwode 1329 Misc, Barramwoode 1554 FF. Boreham is a name which repeats itself in Boreham (PN Ess 238), Boreham Street (PN Sx 483). One might be tempted to explain these names as containing OE bar , 'boar,' but we can hardly assume this element for Boreham (Ess) which has bor as early as DB.Ekwall (Studies , 132) deals with these names and notes that there was certainly a ME toponymic element bor as illustrated by the surname atte bore (1313Ass ) which lies behind Bore Place (PN K 78). This word may be associated with OHG , MHG bor , 'upper room, height,' Swed dial. bor , 'ridge, hill,' and such a word would be entirely applicable to the sites of the places in question which are all on or by well-marked hills. Hence 'wood by the hill-homestead.'