Leatherhead's name is rooted in Old English, reflecting its historical significance as a crossing point. The name is generally understood to mean 'a public ford'.
The Origins of the Name
The name "Leatherhead" is believed to be derived from a combination of two ancient Old English words, which together describe a notable geographical feature of the area:
- Lēode: This Old English term translates to 'people'.
- Rida: This refers to 'a riding path' or 'a ford that could be ridden'.
When these two elements are combined, the resulting meaning is 'a public ford'. This suggests that Leatherhead was historically a well-known and accessible place where people could cross a river, likely the River Mole, either on foot or on horseback.
Evolution Through Historical Spellings
The linguistic evolution of the name can be observed through its various historical spellings, which demonstrate the gradual transition to its modern form. These early spellings provide insight into how the original Old English terms transformed over centuries:
| Year | Historical Spelling |
|---|---|
| 880 | Leodridan |
| 1086 | Leret |
| 1156 | Lereda |
| 1160 | Ledreda |
| 1195 | Leddrede |
These variations highlight the phonetic changes and adaptations of the name, consistently pointing back to its core meaning related to a crossing point for people.
