Stedham
Major Settlement in the Parish of Stedham
Historical Forms
- Steddanham 960 BCS1055
- Stedeham 1086 DB t.Steph France 1181 P 1283 Ipm 1291 Tax 1296 SR 1304 Ass 1314 Ipm 1327,1332 SR 1334 ADiv
- Stedham 1308 Cl 1316,1428 FA
- Stodeham 1187 P 1279 Ass
- Stoddeham ib.
- Stodham 1428 FA
- Studham 1430 Pat
- Stidham 1562 Wills
Etymology
The first element is clearly related to OE stēda , 'steed.' The form with dd in an original 10th cent, charter cannot lightly be set aside and probably Ritter (112) is correct in suggesting that the first element is really Stedda , a pet-form of Stēda , used as a pers. name. For such a pers. name cf. Hengist , Horsa . The sporadic appearance of forms with o he would explain by association with OE stod, 'stud.' Hence 'Stedda's ham(m).'