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.

Elm Bridge

Early-attested site in the Parish of Cranleigh

Historical Forms

  • Elden Bridge 1765 R
  • Elm Bridge 1823 Br
  • Ildenebrig 1241 Ass
  • Ildenebrigge 1294 Ass

Etymology

Elm Bridge (6″) is Elden Bridge 1765 R, Elm Bridge 1823 Br, and gave name to Agnes de Ildenebrig (1241Ass ) and John de Ildenebrigge (1294Ass ). This name means 'guildsmen's bridge,' as in Ealing Bridge (Ess), Gildenebrigge 1045 (14th) ASWills, Yeldenebrygge c. 1350Rental , Ildenebrigg 1371 Londin. The modern form is due in part to popular etymology.