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.

Whaddon

Early-attested site in the Parish of Semington

Historical Forms

  • Wadone 1086 DB
  • Waddune 1234 Longleat
  • Waddon 1249,1268,1289,1394 Ass 1254 Ipm
  • Whadone 1363 FF 1428 FA
  • Whadon 1523 SR

Etymology

Whaddon is Wadone 1086 DB, Waddune 1234Longleat , Waddon 1249, 1268, 1289, 1394Ass , 1254 Ipm, Whadone 1363FF , 1428 FA, Whadon 1523SR . 'Woad hill,' v. dun . The name would have reference to a hill where this plant grew. Later the name has been influenced, perhaps by association with Whaddon from OE  hwǣte -dūn , 'wheat-hill.'

Places in the same Parish

Major Settlement