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How Did Littlehampton Get Its Name?

Published in Place Names History 2 mins read

Littlehampton received its name by adding the prefix 'Little' to its original designation, 'Hantone', sometime between 1610 and 1695, to differentiate itself from the larger city of Southampton.

The Evolution of Littlehampton's Name

The town's naming history is quite straightforward, reflecting its humble beginnings and a practical need for distinction from a more prominent port.

Early Beginnings as 'Hantone'

During the time of the Domesday Book, Littlehampton was recognized as a small fishing settlement known simply as 'Hantone'. This original name points to its early identity as a coastal community, likely derived from Old English terms related to a homestead or farm on a high place, or perhaps a river bend.

The Addition of 'Little'

The significant change in the town's name occurred over a period spanning from 1610 to 1695. It was during this time that the prefix 'Little' was incorporated into 'Hantone', leading to its current name, Littlehampton.

Key reasons for this addition include:

  • Differentiation: The primary reason for adding 'Little' was to clearly distinguish the town from Southampton, a much larger and more established port city located relatively nearby. This was crucial for navigation, trade, and general identification.
  • Size and Status: The prefix 'Little' inherently suggested a smaller scale compared to its larger namesake, reflecting its relative size and importance at the time.

This naming convention is not uncommon in English place names, where prefixes like 'Great', 'Little', 'East', or 'West' are often used to differentiate between nearby settlements sharing a similar base name or geographical feature.

Historical Naming Timeline

The following table summarizes the key periods in Littlehampton's naming history:

Period/Event Name Significance
Domesday Book Era Hantone Original name; small fishing settlement.
Between 1610 and 1695 Littlehampton 'Little' added to distinguish from Southampton.

The evolution of Littlehampton's name provides a glimpse into its historical development, from a modest fishing village to a distinct coastal town.