Survey of English Place-Names

Etymology

Needham Bank, Needham Field. Cf. Nedham 1221ElyA , 1251ElyCouch , 1277Ely , campo Nedham 1390SewersC , Nedhamfeld 1445Ct , Needham Bank 1590SewersC , Nedom (dyche )1390Ct , bank of Needham called Bishops Dike 1649 BedL. This name occurs several times in East Anglia—Needham (Nf), Needham in Yaxley, Needham Market and Needham Street (Sf)—and also in High Needham (Db), all with similar forms (cf. DEPN). Ekwall has suggested that this name is analogous to Hungerton, meaning 'needy, poor homestead or village,' from OE  nīed , 'distress, hardship' and also probably 'poverty.' v. hām .