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.

Smithey Fen

Early-attested site in the Parish of Cottenham

Historical Forms

  • Smithyfen 1343 Colexliv
  • Smythyfen 1464 Christ's
  • Smytheffen 1483 ib
  • Smetheffen 1493 ib
  • Smethy Fen 1604 Atkyns

Etymology

Smithey Fen is Smithyfen 1343Cole xliv, Smythyfen 1464Christ 's , Smytheffen 1483 ib., Smetheffen 1493 ib., Smethy Fen 1604Atkyns .This is probably 'marsh in smooth low-lying land,' v. smēðe , ēg , fenn .