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.

Fair Ridge Wood

Early-attested site in the Parish of Salehurst

Historical Forms

  • Ferreg(g)e c.1210,c.1240 Pens 1336 Battle
  • Ferrugge c.1240,c.1260 Pens 1327 SR
  • Fairiggesgate 1400 Ct
  • Veregge 1427 FF
  • Varegge 1478 FF
  • Farygge 1516 SRS14,81
  • Farredge al. Farneridge 1622 SRS19,162

Etymology

This is either from OE  fearn and hrycg, 'bracken ridge,' with early assimilation of nr to rr , or from ME  ferre , 'far,' hence 'far ridge.' Fair is due to a piece of early etymologising of the name.