Barnacle
Early-attested site in the Parish of Bulkington
Historical Forms
- Bernhangre 1086 DB 1247 Ass
- Bernhanger 1293 ib
- Bernangre 1333 AD 1352 ADiv 1420 IpmR
- Bernanger 1401 ib
- Berhangre 1231 Cl 1247 FF
- Beranger 1261 1262 Ass 1318 Ch
- Bernhangel 1299,1315 Ass
- Bernangul 1314 ADiv 1545 Ct
- Bernangel 1316 FA
- Oldebernangle 1411 Coventry
- Berhangel 1305 ADii 1311 FF 1318 Pat 1337 ADv
- Barneangyll 1412 BM
- Barvangle 1540 Monast
- Barwangle 1546 LP 1575 FF
- Barnangle 1547 Monast
- Barnacle 1547 FF 1591 PCC
- Barvancle al. Barnacle c.1550 AOMB
- Barnacle al. Barnagell 1653 FF
- Barnacle al. Barwangle 1656 ib
- Barnacle al. Barnakell al. Barnagell 1680 Recov
Etymology
The early forms with initial h for the second element are too numerous to be neglected. The second element is therefore OE hangra rather than anger , the whole name meaning 'hill-slope marked by a bam.' “The latter part of the name signifying of old, the same that collis or mons doth; but afterwards it is otherwise written” (Dugdale 43). The change of final r to l is due to AN influence (IPN 106–7) and the present form shows a further development due to folk-etymology. The curious v , developing to w in some of the later spellings, was probably originally a clerical error. Cf. PN Sr 266s. n. Temple Fm.