Etymology
At first glance, the toponymy of Oldham seems obvious to imply "old village or place" from Eald (Saxon) signifying oldness or antiquity, and Ham (Saxon) a house, farm or hamlet. However, Oldham is known to be a derivative of Aldehulme; undoubtedly an Old Norse name. It is believed to be derived from the Old English ald combined with the Old Norse holmi or holmr, meaning "old promontory or outcrop", possibly describing the town's hilltop position. However, it has also been theorised that it may mean "holm or hulme of a farmer named Alda". The name is understood to date from 865 at the time of Danish Mercia, a time when the similarly named Hulme in nearby Manchester is believed to have origin.
Aldhulme is the first known recorded use of the name in around the year 1180, and has been subsequently spelt as Aldholm (1226), Aldhulm (1237), Oldum, Oldom, Holdum, Olduum, Oldun, (1292), Oldome (1427), Oldam, Oldham, Ouldham (16th century), and Oldhulme (1622).
A local pronunciation (and one which acts purely as a nickname) is /ˈoʊdəm/ "Owdom".
Read more about this topic: History Of Oldham
Famous quotes containing the word etymology:
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