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.

Lyford

Major Settlement in the Parish of Lyford

Historical Forms

  • (to) Linforda 944 BCS798 c.1200
  • Linford 1032 KCD746 c.1200 DB 1086 Abingdon 13th
  • Liford William Abingdon c.1240 Ass 1224–5
  • Lif' Cecilie 1220 Fees
  • Lifford' 1242–3 1252 Cl
  • Liver 1761 Rocque

Etymology

'Ford where flax grows', v. līn , ford . The ford was possibly on the site of Lyford Bridge, over the R. Ock. The name is also referred to in the phrase linfordinga gemere 940 (c. 1200) BCS 761, v. Pt 3.