Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Γαρíϵννον ποταμο ἐκϐολαí c.150 Ptolemy

Etymology

, Γαρíϵννον ποταμο  ἐκϐολαí (= Garienni fluvii ostia )c. 150 Ptolemy , ( cf. Praepositus equitum stablesianorum Gariannonensium 400–427 ND ) , Gerne c. 1150 ERN , (super )Gernum flumen c. 1270Norvic I , Hierus 1574, 1575 Saxton , Hiere ,Yare , Gare 1577, 1586 Holinshed , Gerne , Jere 1586 Camden , Yar 1622 Drayton , Yare 1724 Defoe . According to Ekwall (ERN s.n.) , the modern form Yare is a back - formation from Yarmouth , the old spellings of which suggest that the OE river - name was Gerne ( v. supra ) . This would seem to derive from Gariennos , possibly formed from the Celtic root * gar - , * ger - , Welsh  gair , Bret  ger ' word ' . Ekwall suggests that the meaning was ' the babbling river ' , “ perhaps the name given with reference to the lowest part , where there would be a strong rush of water at ebb and flow ” ( v. ERN and DEPN s.n . ) . Rivet & Smith ( 366 ) quote Ekwall 's etymology , and they think it “ might be appropriate ” , but add a reservation , “ since East Anglian rivers in flat country are silent , this etymology should be regarded with caution ; there are relations to be considered with other names , such as ethnic Garunni , Gerunda > Gerona ( Catalonia ) , etc . An association with the great Garumna ( as it is commonly spelled , > Garonne ) seems likely . ” The adj . gariannonensium refers to the Roman fort Gariannum or Gariannonum , today Burgh Castle , which got its name from the river .