Unveiling the Origins of Somerset Towns and Cities Names

Somerset is home to a rich tapestry of historical towns and cities, each with names that bear the weight of centuries of evolution. Unraveling the mysteries of these names can provide insight into the region’s past and the various influences that have shaped it.

Bridgwater The roots of Bridgwater’s name can be traced back to a Saxon village known as Brigg, later transformed into Bridgwater after being gifted by William the Conqueror to his follower Walter of Douai.

Chard Formerly known as Cerden and Cerdre, the name “Chard” is thought to translate as ‘house on the chart or rough ground’.

Clevedon The name Clevedon is derived from Old English, directly translating to ‘cleave’ or ‘cleft’ hill, a testament to the town’s topography.

Crewkerne Believed to have originated from ‘Cruc-aera’, a blend of British and Old English, likely referring to the spur of a hill and a storehouse.

Frome Thought to have originated from a Saxon village with a name derived from a Celtic river, reflecting the brisk flow of the river.

Glastonbury The name “Glastonbury” and its origins remain shrouded in mystery, with various theories pointing to different origins, including Irish and Welsh connections.

Ilminster The name combines the nearby River Isle with the suffix “Minster,” reflecting the presence of the Minster church in the town.

Keynsham Its name is believed to be connected to Saint Keyne, although historical records point to earlier Anglo-Saxon origins.

Midsomer Norton The prefix “Midsomer” was added to distinguish it from other Nortons, while the “Norton” part means ‘north enclosure’ in Old English.

Minehead The name might be derived from a combination of William de Mohun’s surname and the Saxon word ‘heved’, or from the word ‘mynedd’ meaning ‘hill head’.

Radstock The ‘rad’ part is believed to signify ‘red’, reflecting the reddish hue of the local soil, with the remainder of the name still unclear.

Shepton Mallet The name “Shepton” is connected to ‘sheep fold’, while “Mallet” is attributed to the Malet family that had control over the area.

Taunton Tone Tun, shortened to Taunton, refers to a farm or estate near a roaring river, preserving its Celtic roots.

Wellington Its name traces back to Weolingtun, signifying a ‘wealthy estate’ or ‘settlement in the temple clearing’.

Wells The city’s name directly reflects its Roman roots and the bubbling springs that have characterized it throughout history.

Weston-super-Mare This seaside town’s name signifies its western estate position and its location ‘above sea’, distinguishing it from other Westons.

Yeovil Undergoing several iterations, the name can be traced to the Celtic word gifl, meaning ‘forked river’, and its evolution following the naming of the River Yeo.