Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Masrugia 1142–84 ReadingC l.12th

• Marrug' 1241 Ass

• Marruge 13th ReadingC(2)

• Marerugge 1327 SR

• Marrug 1341 NonInq

• Mare Ridges 1761 Rocque

• Mare Ridge 1846 Snare

Etymology

May Ridge, Masrugia 1142–84 (l.12th) ReadingC , Marrug '1241Ass , Marruge 13thReadingC (2 ), Marerugge 1327SR (p), Marrug 1341 NonInq (p), Mare Ridges 1761 Rocque, Mare Ridge 1846 Snare.Probably 'boundary ridge', v. (ge)mǣre, hrycg , in spite of the earliest form. Names with -s (e )r - normally keep the -s - till the 15th cent. or later (cf. Curridge 242 and Marridge W 288–9). 'Boundary ridge' is suitable topographically, the name being applied to the high ground in the extreme N. of the parish. Merridge So is identical.