Oxford etymology

Etymology:

  • "Oxford" is derived from the Old English phrase "Oxenaforda", meaning "ford of the oxen".

Meaning:

  • A ford is a shallow place in a river where people or animals can cross.
  • In the case of Oxford, the ford was used by cattle crossing the River Thames.

Origin:

  • The name "Oxford" first appears in a Saxon charter from 912 AD, referring to a fortification located at the ford.
  • The town of Oxford grew up around the fort and the river crossing.
  • Oxford University was established in the 11th century.
  • The name "Oxford" has been used for the city, the university, and the surrounding county.

Additional Notes:

  • The symbol of Oxford University, the Oxford Bull, is a reference to the city's origins as a cattle crossing.
  • The Latin name for Oxford, "Oxonium", is derived from the Greek word "oxos", meaning "sharp". This may have been a reference to the pointed shape of the ford.
  • The pronunciation of "Oxford" in British English is pronounced with the "x" as "ks", while in American English, it is pronounced with the "x" as "z".

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