Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Rein' 1202 Cur

• Resnes 1240 Lib

• Rehnes 1242 Cl

• Magna Reines 1248 FF

• Renes Episcopi 1254 Ass

• Reynes Magna 1276–1317 FF 1306–35 Londin 1346

• Great Reyne 1311–21 FF

• Reygne 1441 Pat

• Branchetreu 1086 DB

• Bran(e)k(e)tre(e) 1199 ChR 1229–31 Pat 1251 Cl a.1272 Colch 1306–35 Londin 1317 FF 1333 Ipm 1398–1432 IpmR

• Branketre videlicet Magna Reyne 1428 FA

• Bran(e)k(e)tre(e) alias Great Rey(g)ne(s) 1521–50 FF

• Banketre 1248 Cl

• Brakentree 1300 Abbr

• Braunketre 1333 Ipm

• Brangtree 1412 FA 1449–52 ECP

• Brauntre 1558 Cunnington

• Brantre 1472 ADi 1637 EASx

• Brantry 1530 Ct

• Braintre(e) 1486–96 ECP t.Eliz ChancP

• Brayntre 1535 VE 1556 FF

• Bayntre 1513 LP

• Baintree 1546 EssPRii

• Braynktrye 1561 BM

• Bragintree 1563 FF

Etymology

For the first name v. Rayne infra 452. For its relation to Braintree v. M ii, 394.

The second element in the name Braintree is clearly treo(w), 'tree.' The first element is uncertain. The existence of some such pers. name as Branc is suggested by Branxton (PN NbDu 30) and Branxholm (Sc) (cf. PN Sc 114, 165), and Wallenberg (s. n. Brands Hatch PN K 44) agrees with the possibility of such, connecting it with a lost OE  branc , 'steep.' This in a weak form would give a name Branca , which would account for the forms of Braintree. Professor Ekwall would prefer to take Branca to be from earlier Bran (u )ca , the weak form of the old Celtic name Branoc found in Branscombe(PN D 620). The whole solution of the name must remain uncertain, however, especially in view of the equally difficult Brankedich (1208 FF), i.e. Brent Ditch (C) on the Icknield Way supra 3. Episcopi because held by the Bishop of London.