Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Mechinges t.Wm2 Lewes 1272 ADiv

• Mechingas 1121 ADA464

• Mechynges 1295 Pat

• Mecinges 1091–1125 ADA14176 1204 Cur

• Mechyng, Meching 1296 SR 1493 Ipm

• Mychyng 1531 SRS19,127

• Mychen 1675 Ogilby

• Mitching 1732 Morden

• Newhaven al. Michinge 1586 MarL

• Meetching al. Newhaven 1685 MarL

• Meeching(e) 1656 BM 1729 Recov

Etymology

Ekwall (PN in -ing 60) derives the name from an OE  Mēcingas , 'sword men,' from OE  mēce , 'sword.' Alternatively the name may be the patronymic of a pers. name formed from mēce . The place came to be called Newhaven in the 16th cent, when the course of the Ouse was straightened and directed so that it debouched at Meeching instead of Seaford (Lower ii, 143). In the 1587 Survey of the Sussex coast, the village is called Michin , the port Newehaven (SAC 7, 80 and 9, 99).