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.

Great and Little Clifton

Major Settlement in the Parish of Great and Little Clifton

Historical Forms

  • Cliftona c.1160 Lowther
  • Clifton 1210 Cur
  • Cliftun' 1210 Cur
  • Clifton Gamel 1212 Cur
  • Kirkeclifton' c.1260 Hesley
  • Parua Clifton 1278 Ass
  • Alta Clifton 1284 Hesley
  • Great Clifton 1300 Ipm
  • Cliftonbankes c.1276 Hesley
  • Cliftonbanckes c.1330 ib

Etymology

'Cliff tūn,' taking its name from the “cliff or steep precipice which hangs over Derwent at the mouth of Marron” (NB ii, 56). Alta , Kirke are Great Clifton. Clifton Gamel may be named from Gamel , the holder in 1212 (Cur).

Places in the same Parish

None