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.

Bayford

Major Settlement in the Parish of Bayford

Historical Forms

  • Begesford 1086 DB
  • Begeford c.1090 Regesta 12th StAlbansN
  • Beiford 1154 RBE 1177 P 1428 FA
  • Beivord 1275 RH
  • Beyeford 1316 Ass
  • Beford 1228 Pat
  • Beuford 1247 ib
  • Beynford 1249 ib
  • Bayford 1251 Ch

Etymology

Probably 'Bǣga 's ford,' cf. Bayham (PN Sx 374). There is no bend in the stream such as would justify the assumption of OE  byge, 'bend,' or beag , 'ring' as the first element.