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.

Peakdean

Early-attested site in the Parish of Eastdean

Historical Forms

  • Pekeden(e) 1198 P 1595 SRS14,200
  • Pykeden c.1250 SAC43,193
  • Pekende 1294 Ass
  • Pegheton 1300 SAC43,195
  • Pigheden 1302 FA
  • Peakedane 1649 Recov

Etymology

Peakdean is Pekeden (e )1198 Pet passim to 1595 SRS 14, 200, Pykeden c. 1250 SAC 43, 193, Pekende 1294Ass , Pegheton 1300 SAC 43, 195, Pigheden 1302 FA, Peakedane 1649Recov .The name is possibly a compound of OE  pēac , 'peak, hill,' discussed s. n. Pegsdon (PN BedsHu 176) and denu , hence 'valley marked by a peak (or hill)/ but the persistent e rather suggests a pers. name. Peakdean lies in a well-marked valley, with a high isolated point on the west side of the valley.