Gt Malvern
Major Settlement in the Parish of Great Malvern
Historical Forms
- Malferna 1086 DB
- Maluern(i)a 1156 P
- Maluern(i)a major 1233 Cl 1275 SR 1535 VE
- Moche Malv'ne 1521 VCHiv.188
- Malborne 1536 LP
Etymology
Professor Ekwall in IPN 25 suggests that the first element in this name is the Welsh moel , 'bare,' while the second shows a mutated form of the Welsh bryn (OBret bren ), 'hill.' This would suit the hills.