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.

Maydencroft Fm

Early-attested site in the Parish of Ippollitts

Historical Forms

  • Medcroft 1269 FF
  • Madecroft 1287 1318 Ch 1330,1348 Ipm
  • Madcroft 1373 Cl
  • Maydcrofte 1375 IpmR
  • Maydecrofte 1377 ADii

Etymology

Maydencroft Fm is Medcroft 1269FF , Madecroft 1287 ib., 1318 Ch, 1330, 1348 Ipm, Madcroft 1373 Cl, Maydcrofte 1375 IpmR, Maydecrofte 1377 AD ii. The first element is probably OE  mæd, 'pasture,' later folk-etymologised to maid (en ). Hence 'pasture croft.'