Hinchingbrooke
Early-attested site in the Parish of Huntingdon
Historical Forms
- Hychelingbrok 1260 Ass
- Inchinbrok 1378 BM
- Fynchyngbroke 1402,1412 BM
- Fynchynkbroke 1478 BM
- Fyncheynbroke 1478 BM
- Hynchenbrok 1526 LS
- Hynchingbroke 1535 VE
Etymology
This is a difficult name. Change of initial h to f is, however, not without parallel (v. Filbert Haugh in PN NbDu 85). In any case we may assume that h is the original initial sound. An OE Hyncelingabroc would explain the forms here given. There is on record an OE Hynca (LVD) from which an -il diminutive, Hyncel could easily be derived. Hence we may interpret the name as 'the stream of Hyncel's people.' Cf. Billing Brook supra 193 for a stream-name of this type.