Stonehenge etymology

Etymology of Stonehenge

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

• Stan: meaning "stone"
• Heng: meaning "hinge" or "hanging"

Meaning

The name "Stonehenge" translates to "Hanging Stones" or "Stonehenge." It refers to the large sarsen stones that form the iconic lintel (upper) stones and which appear to be "hanging" on the smaller bluestones beneath them.

Origin

The name "Stonehenge" was first recorded in the early 12th century in the works of the chronicler Henry of Huntingdon. He referred to the site as "Stanenges." It is believed that the name was given to the site by the Anglo-Saxons who settled in the area after the Roman departure from Britain in the 5th century.

Alternative Names

Stonehenge has also been known by other names throughout history, including:

• Chorea Gigantum: "Dance of the Giants" (used by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century)
• Stanhengist: "Hanging Stone" (used by some medieval writers)
• Giant's Dance: a popular name for the site in the 16th and 17th centuries
• Clarendon's House: a reference to the nearby Clarendon House, built by Sir John Vanbrugh in the 17th century

Stonehenge relate terms

• hang

• Stonehenge

  Etymology of Stonehenge The name Stonehenge is derived from two Old English words St

• hung

  Etymology From Middle English hungen from Old English hongen past participle of hangi

• hanged

  Etymology Old English hōn from Proto Germanic hōh ną cf Middle Dutch hōn

• stone

  Etymology The word stone comes from the Old English word stān which is derived from

• henge

  Etymology The word henge is believed to come from the Old English or Anglo Saxon term

• Stonehenge

  Etymology of Stonehenge The name Stonehenge is derived from two Old English words St

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