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.

Hedon

Major Settlement in the Parish of Hedon

Historical Forms

  • Hedon(a) 1138–42 LeonardR 1150–60 Melsa 1190 Ch 1301 Langd 1828
  • Hedon(a) in Holdernesse 1334 FF
  • Hedone 1339 Extent 1340 Ch
  • Haduna 1138–42 YCh1313
  • Headun 1247 Ebor
  • Hedun(a) 1148 LeonardN 12th RegAlb 1260 Rental
  • Edune 1150–60 Meaux
  • Heldona 1160–2 YCh1307
  • Heddun(a), Heddon(a) 1160–81 RegAlb 1162–1197 P 1167–70,1170–5 YCh1308–16 1200 OblR 1205 ChR 1208,1226,1252 FF
  • Haddon 1535 VE
  • Hedden 1594 FF
  • Headon a.1678 Map
  • Heydon 1542 1557 FF

Etymology

Derivation from OE  heah and dun 'high hill' is impossible on topographical grounds. In view of the Haddon -spellings the first element is probably hæð 'uncultivated land,' which can result, when shortened, in Had - and Hed -. Cf. Headley (PN Sr 77) and Haddon (PN Nth 71, 83). Cf. also Headon (Nt)Hedune 1086 DB, Hedone 1234 Clet passim to 1509, Heddon 1176, 1178 P (p), 1226 ClR, 1254 Ebor, Haddona 1178 ClR, 1211 RBE.The form Heldona is clearly erratic.

Places in the same Parish

Early-attested site