Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Harpeham c.1200 S c.1280 FF 1234–5

• Erpeham 1220 Fees

• Herpenna c.1220 S c.1280

• Herpenham c.1230 c.1280 AD 13th

• Erpham 1232 Ch 1329

• Erpeham, Harpham 1241 Ass

• Harpenham, Arpham 1247–8 ib

• Herpeham 1305 Abbr

• Orpingham 1761 Rocque

Etymology

Orpenham Fm, Harpeham c. 1200 (c. 1280) S (p), 1234–5FF (p), Erpeham 1220 Fees (p), Herpenna c. 1220 (c. 1280) S (p), Herpenham c. 1230 (c. 1280) ib (p), 13th AD (p), Erpham 1232 (1329) Ch (p), Erpeham , Harpham 1241Ass (p), Harpenham , Arpham 1247–8ib , Herpeham 1305 Abbr (p), Orpingham 1761 Rocque. 'Harper's village', v. hām . There was probably a noun hearpa 'harper', v. hearpe . Orpenham has similar forms to Harpham YE 89, but the -en - of the gen. is better represented in the spellings for the Berks name.This -en - seems to preclude derivation from herepæð, which would otherwise have been appropriate, as the place is on a Roman road.In YE 89 an etymology 'homestead where the harp is played' is suggested. The word could also have been used as a pers.n.