Briggethorfin
Early-attested site in the Parish of Little Clifton
Historical Forms
- Fitbrandan c.1250 Hesley
- Sitbrandan (sic print) c.1260 StB
- Fit Brundon 1789 LowtherW
Etymology
The first of these names is an inversion compound meaning 'Thorfin 's bridge.' The second name is also an inversion compound containing the same personal name Thorfin , but the first element is uncertain. It may conceivably be ON eign , 'holding.' It is possible that the name Bridgefoot in this parish refers to the bridge recorded in Briggethorfin . Thorfin was a common name, especially in northern England, and it would be unsafe to attempt any identification of the Thorfin from whom these local names are derived.
Another inversion compound is recorded from Clifton—Fitbrandan c. 1250Hesley , Sitbrandan (sic print)c. 1260 StB, Fit Brundon 1789LowtherW , which means 'Brandán 's meadow,' v. fit , Brandán being an OIrish personal name. In Polgauer 1279 Ass we have probably British poll gafr , 'goat brook'; cf. RN 329. These three names are all discussed in ScandCelts, 20–1, 24, 29–30.