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.

Kirkham

Major Settlement in the Parish of Kirkham

Historical Forms

  • Cherchan, Chercha', Chirchan 1086 DB
  • Cherc(he)ham 1123–8 Ch 1336
  • Kirkeham, Kyrkeham a.1139 Riev 1154–8 Ch 1336 Bridl 1191 Pat 1465
  • Kyrkeheim 1238 Ebor
  • Kirkaham 1170–90 YCh623,633
  • Kirkahaim 1191–1201 Dods
  • Kirkham, Kyrkham 12th Kirkham 1232 Ebor 1242 Cl 1531 Test
  • Kirkam 1288 Ebor

Etymology

'Homestead with a church,' from cirice, ham or kirkja , heim .On the alternation of -ham , -heim cf. Halsham supra 30. In 1086 there was a church and a priest here (DB). Kirkham (PN La 52) is of similar origin.

Places in the same Parish