Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Helesham, Eilessam, Elesham, Ælsaham, Ailesham, Ailessam 1086 DB

• Ailesham 1159to1196 P 1372 BM 1397 Pat

• Eilesham 1168etfreqto1194 P

• Ailisham 1173 P

• Eillesham 1195to1201 P

• Aillesham 1197etfreqto1211 P 1236 Fees 1275 RH

• Æillesham 1198 P

• Ellesham 1206 P

• Eylesham 1212 Fees 1228 Ch 1228,1261 Cl 1269 Ass 1270 Ch

• Eyllesham 1227 Ch

• Ayllesham 1230 P 1266 Pat

• Aylesham 1230 P 1261to1309 Ipm 1269,1286 Ass 1275 RH 1316 FA 1319,1330,1382 FF 1372 Fine 1420 BM 1443,1461 Past

• Elesham 1257 Ass

• Aylisham 1275 RH 1648 AD 1648 HMC

• Eylisham 1275 RH

• Alysham 1288 NoLeet

• Elsham 1295 Pat

• Alisham 1335 Ipm

• Ailsham, Aylsham 1535 VE

• Alesham 1675 Ogilby

Etymology

The OE  pers.n. *Ægel and hām. This pers.n. is not on record but has been postulated for several pl.ns., for instance Ailsworth Nth, Aylesford K (v. DEPN, Mills). It is etymologically identical with Goth  Agila .