Ockham
Major Settlement in the Parish of Ockham
Historical Forms
- Bocheham 1086 DB
- Ocham 1218 Bracton 1225 Ass
- Okham c.1270 Winton
- Ocham, Ockham 1314 Ipm
- Ocham Courte t.Hy8 MinAcct
- Ockam 1610 Speed
Etymology
The DB spelling is probably corrupt, perhaps owing to confusion with Bookham supra 99. Owing to the absence of 12th century forms, we cannot be certain whether the name was originally Occan ham (m ), 'Occa 's ham(m)' or ac ham (m ), 'oak ham(m).' The rarity of forms with a double consonant is perhaps in favour of the latter alternative.