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.

Hankham

Early-attested site in the Parish of Westham

Historical Forms

  • æt Hanecan hamme 947 BCS821 13th
  • Hanekeham 1293 Rental 1328 CplM
  • Hankeham 1403 Ct
  • Henecham 1086 DB

Etymology

'Haneca's hamm.' The pers. name Haneca is not on independent record, but would be a possible diminutive formation from hana , 'cock.' Cf. Förstemann PN 146–7 for similar OGer names and Hankerton (W), BCS 589 Hanecintune , Hankford (D), DB Hanecheforda , Hankelow (Ch), 1259 Ass Honkilawe (p).