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.

Cold Overton

Major Settlement in the Parish of Knossington and Cold Overton

Historical Forms

  • æt Ofertune, Ofertune 1066–68 ASWills
  • Ovretone 1086 DB
  • Caleverton c.1130 LeicSurv
  • Ouerton' 1198,1199,1201 P
  • Ouertun' 1269 For
  • Ouirton' 1275 RGrav
  • Overton(e) 1201 Abbr 1203 Cur
  • Cald(e) ~ 1201 Abbr 1254 Val
  • Kald~ 1203 Cur
  • Cold(e) ~ 1212 RBE 1227 ClR
  • Caud ~ 1220 MHW
  • Oreton 1460 Pat
  • Cold Orton 1530 1576 Saxton

Etymology

'The farmstead, village on the ridge', v. ofer 2 , tūn . The prefix cald 'bleak, exposed' reflects the township's high, ridge-top location.