Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Southover 1670,1671 Sheridan 1795 Boswell 1811 OS

• Northover 1670 Sheridan 1795 Boswell

Etymology

Southover (SY 624948), Southover 1670, 1671Sheridan , 1795 Boswell, 1811 OS, cf. Southover Common Meade , Southover Hogsleaze 1680Sheridan , Southover Mead (ow )1670, 1677Sheridan , the Sheepe Slight called Southover Hill 1680Sheridan . 'South river-bank', v. sūð , ōfer , in contrast to the lost Northover 1670Sheridan , 1795 Boswell, 'north river-bank', v. norð . As Hutch3 2 297 has it: 'that part of the parish which lies on the north side of the river [Frome] being called Northover, that on the south side Southover'. Gelling LandscapePNs 200, prefers as second el. the unrelated OE term *ofer 'ridge', here then referring to low ridges on the river-banks as seen from the river.