Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Quemerford 1199,1232 FF

• Quemerford juxta Calne 1346 Ass

• Quemmerforde 1642 SR

• Kemerford 1227 Fees 1279 Ass

• Quembreforde t.Hy3,c.1400 RegMalm

• Quemberforde 1623 WMi

• Quimberford 1649 SarumDandC

• Comerford 1476 IpmR 1500 Ipm

• Commerford 1539 Phillipps

• Comerforde al. Quemerford 1560 FF

• Camberford 1670 Aubrey

• Gamarvon Bridge 1675 Ogilby

• Cummerford 1695 M

Etymology

Quemerford is not far from the meeting of two streams. It is possible, therefore, that the first element is a Celtic place-name corresponding to Welsh  cymmer , 'confluence,' etc. (from *cymber ). Cf. OBreton  comper , kemper (Chrest 116) found in Breton place-names such as Quimper, and in Reskymmer (Co), Reskemer t. John AD i, Reskemmer 1332 AD v, Ryskymmer 1342 NI (p), the first element of which is OCorn  rit , MCorn  ris , res , 'ford.' For confusion of initial c and q , cf. Queenhill (PN Wo 155, xliv).