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.

Braybrooke

Major Settlement in the Parish of Braybrooke

Historical Forms

  • Bradebroc, Badebroc, Baiebroc 1086 DB
  • Braybroke 12th Survey
  • Braibroc, Braybroc 1147 BM 1428 FA
  • Braiebroc 1166 P(CR)
  • Braebroc t.Hy2 Harl86C19
  • Brabroc 1197 FF
  • Breibroc 1215 PatR
  • Bradebroke, Braybroke 1496 DunBev

Etymology

This is probably 'broad brook,' v. brad , broc , the first element having been early refashioned under the influence of the cognate Scand. word breiðr 2 . Cf. Rothwell infra 118 and Introd. xxiii.The relevancy of this name, unless it be ironical, is difficult to discover, as the Braybrooke is a very small stream. Bridges (ii, 9) does however state that 'upon sudden rains it swells to a great depth.'

Places in the same Parish

Early-attested site