Maidenford
Early-attested site in the Parish of Barnstaple
Historical Forms
- Medeneford 13th ADvi 1242 Fees772 1326 Ipm
- Maydeneford 1244 Ass 1249 Ass
- Medenford 1442 IpmR
Etymology
'Maidens' ford,' i.e. probably one easily crossed. For maiden -names, cf. Medbury (PN BedsHu 71). To the names there quoted add Maydeneford (1284Ass ) in Garford (Berks), and Maidenhatch (Berks), c. 1180Add Maidenhecha (p).Maidford (Nth) has an early form Maideneford (1166 P). From Devon we have a Maidenpill (1613), v. pyll .