Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Harnham 1115 StOsmund 1242 Fees 1246 Cl

• Estharnham t.Hy3 BM

• Hestharnam, Westharnam 1275 RH

• Estharnham atte Bryggeesend juxta Sarum 1293 Trop

• West Harneham 1316 FA

• Hareham 1130,1168,1171 P 1158 HMCVari 1211 RBE 1234 Cl

• Haraham 1244 StNicholas

• Harreham 1249 Ass

• Harinham 1206 PatR

• Harenham 1279,1281 Ass

• West Harenham 1289 FF

• Haresham 1224 Bracton

• Harham 1230 Ch 1230,1231,1246,1259 Cl 1249,1279 Ass 1273 Ipm

• Harram 1233 Ch

• Estharam 1242 Fees 1244 StNicholas

• Haram 1268 Ass

Etymology

The etymology of this name is uncertain. Ekwall's suggestion of a lost OE  adj. *hæren , 'stony, rocky,' is ruled out by the topography. More probably the first element is hara , 'hare.'Possibly the place was known alternatively as 'hare-hamm' and 'hares' hamm' with first element hara or harena (gen. pl.).