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.

Widford

Major Settlement in the Parish of Widford

Historical Forms

  • Wideford(e) 1086 DB t.Hy2 Ch 1330 FF 1402
  • Widiford 1205 FF 1212 RBE
  • Wydiford 1302,1315 ib
  • Wedeford(e) 1346 FF 1388 ADiii
  • Wydforde 1428 FA
  • Widford Street 1676 S

Etymology

Probably 'withy ford.' The village stands rather high and must have taken its name from some ford over the River Rib in the valley below.