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.

Maindea

Early-attested site in the Parish of Bratton Clovelly

Historical Forms

  • la Mened 1228 FF
  • atte Menegħ 1279 Ass
  • atte Menede 1330 SR
  • Meyndey 1566 DA

Etymology

This is probably a Celtic name corresponding to Cornish meneth , 'hill' (W  mynydd ). There is a well-marked hill just to the north of the farm. The final vowel may be due to the influence of such Devonshire names as Forda, Beera, Wooda, etc., v. Introd. xxxvi.