Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Tuinc 1086 DB

• Tuenche 1166 P

• Tang(e), Tanga 12 Kirkst 1189–1216 YCh1766 1202 Calv 1217–41 FF 1347 YDiii

• Tong(e) 1199 Ch 1232 Pat 1229 Fees 1243 Ebor 1281 KI 1285 Aid 1303 WillS 1654

• Toyng 1520 TestLds

• Tongue 1589 FF

Etymology

The probability is that Tong goes back to OE  t(w)ang, but as in other names there has been some early confusion in form with OE  tang in the sense 'spit of land' and OE  þwang, þweng 'thong' (which we have in Netherthong ii, 186supra ). The meaning of OE  twang, tang is primarily 'tongs, forceps' and so by extension 'river- fork' (cf. EPN ii, 176 s.v. tang ). Tong village is on the prominent ridge between Tyersall Beck and Cockers Dale and the name clearly refers to this topographical feature.