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.

Masham

Major Settlement in the Parish of Mashamshire

Historical Forms

  • Massan 1086 DB
  • Masham 1153 Jerv 1328 Ch
  • Massham 1163 YCh 1468 Fount
  • Mesham 1233 Cl
  • Masseham 1251 Ch 1271 Baildon 1279–81 QW
  • Massam 1286 Ebor 1530 Visit

Etymology

'Mæssa's homestead' v. ham . For Mæssa , v. Marsworth (PN Bk 98), OE  Mæssanwyrð , KCD 721.