Plymouth etymology

Etymology

The name "Plymouth" is derived from two Old English words:

  • Plim - Meaning "plum tree" or "orchard"
  • Muth - Meaning "mouth" or "estuary"

Meaning and Origin

Plymouth's name therefore means "orchard at the mouth of a river." This name reflects its location at the confluence of the River Plym and River Tamar in Devon, England.

Historical Background

The area around Plymouth has been inhabited since prehistoric times. It was a fortified settlement during the Iron Age and was known as "Durobrivae" by the Romans. In the 10th century, the Saxons established a trading town at the mouth of the River Plym and named it "Sutton."

In 1194, King Richard I granted a charter to Plymouth, which allowed it to become a borough. The town grew rapidly in the 14th and 15th centuries due to its position as a major trading port. In 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from Plymouth on the Mayflower to found the Plymouth Colony in North America.

Today, Plymouth remains a major city and naval base in the United Kingdom. It is still known for its association with the Pilgrims and its maritime history.

Plymouth relate terms

  • thanksgiving

    Etymology Thanksgiving is a compound word derived from the following sources Thank f

  • pilgrim

    Etymology The word pilgrim comes from the Old French word pelegrin which itself ori

  • privilege

    Etymology Latin privilegium Proto Indo European pr̥ḱ li s before the law Mea

  • doubt

    Etymology The word doubt derives from the Old French word douter meaning to fear h

  • burgeon

    Etymology The word burgeon originates from the Middle French word bourjon meaning

  • keel

    Etymology The word keel comes from the Middle English word kele which is derived fr