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.

Heightington

Early-attested site in the Parish of Rock

Historical Forms

  • Huythindone 1325 Heref
  • Hutdynton 1332 SR
  • Hightyngton, Hightington 1550 Pat 1656 FF
  • Hitonton 1588 Wills
  • Heightenton 1599 WillsP
  • Hittington 1592 QSR

Etymology

This name seems to involve an early use of OE  hīehðu , 'height,' with the sense 'high-place.' From this must have been formed a compound hīehðinga -tūn , 'farm of the dwellers on the high ground,' a name peculiarly suitable to this particular site.v. tun .