Kensworth
Major Settlement in the Parish of Kensworth
Historical Forms
- Ceagnesuuorðe 975 LibellusEliensis early12th
- Ceagnesworthe id. LibEl
- Canesworde 1086 DB
- Keneswurda 12th StPaulsDB 1402 ADi
- Kensworth 1375 ADvi
- Kennesworth 1431 ADi 1434 ADiii
- Cægineshamme (c. 1000 Ethelwerd)
Etymology
The earliest forms for this name, noted by Professor Bruce Dickins and Dr Reaney, show that the name must not be explained as in PN BedsHu 178–9. Rather it must be related to Keynsham (So), earlier Cægineshamme (c. 1000 Ethelwerd).Both names alike probably contain the OE personal name Cǣgin postulated by Ekwall (Studies 10) for the latter name. Hence 'Cægin 's farm or enclosure,' v. worþ .