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.

Melksham

Major Settlement in the Parish of Melksham

Historical Forms

  • Melcheshā 1086 DB
  • Melchesham 1144,1156 P 1204 ClR
  • Melkesham 1155 RBE 1172 P 1254 Ipm
  • Melcsham 1240 Pap
  • Milkesham 1229 Cl 1249 Ass 1553 WMx
  • Mulkesham 1281 Cl
  • Mylsham 1558–79 ECP
  • Melsham 1661,1724 FF
  • Milsham, Melsam 1675 Ogilby

Etymology

There can be little doubt that at some stage in its history this name has been associated with OE  meoloc , 'milk,' but what its ultimate history may be it is impossible to say.