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.

Hollyfast Fm

Early-attested site in the Parish of Allesley

Historical Forms

  • Holifast, Colgrimesholifast c.1250 Kenilworth
  • Holifast, Holynfast 1410 LeetBk
  • boscus de Holynfast, vastum de Holifast 1411 Coventry

Etymology

Hollyfast Fm (6″) is Holifast , Colgrimesholifast c. 1250Kenilworth , Holifast , Holynfast 1410 LeetBk, boscus de Holynfast , vastum de Holifast 1411Coventry . 'Holly stronghold,' suggesting some early enclosure made with holly bushes or a place made secure by holly thickets. Cf. wudufæsten (BT) and v. holegn , fæsten . Cf. The Hollies infra . Colgrim is an Anglo- Scand pers. name.

Places in the same Parish

Early-attested site

Other OS name

Major Settlement