Callisham Down
Early-attested site in the Parish of Meavy
Historical Forms
- Calyngisham 1486–1515 ECP3,293
- Calysham 1553 Deed
- Callisham 1698 FF
Etymology
v. ham(m). The first element would seem to be a pers. name, perhaps of ME origin. Alternatively it might perhaps contain ME calenge , 'challenge,' 'claim' (cf. Callanswood PN Wo 218 and Callingwood PN St 30), hence 'ham(m) of (or in) dispute,' but the forms are too late for any certainty.