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.

Holt Fen

Early-attested site in the Parish of Stretham

Historical Forms

  • Holefen 1251 ElyCouch 1277 Ely
  • Holffen 1549 Ct
  • Hold Fen 1636 BedL
  • Howle Fen 1674 BLAcct
  • Whole Fenn 1692 SewersA
  • Holtfen c.1840 TA

Etymology

Holt Fen (6″) is Holefen 1251ElyCouch , 1277Ely , Holffen 1549Ct , Hold Fen 1636 BedL, Howle Fen 1674BLAcct , Whole Fenn 1692SewersA , Holtfen c. 1840TA . 'Hollow marsh,' v. holh , fenn .