Meldon
/ˈmɛl.dən/noun
A place-name used for several settlements and geographic features, especially in Devon and Northumberland, England.
Did you know?The first element is commonly connected with Old English *mǣl*, meaning a mark, sign, or monument—possibly referring to a conspicuous cross or other landmark on the hill.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*meh₁-
“To measure or mark out; the proposed deep root behind the Germanic family associated with measurement and marking.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*mēlą
“A measure, sign, or marked object; a possible ancestor of the first element in the place-name.”
Old English
Old English
mǣl
“A mark, sign, cross, or monument.”
Old English
Old English
dūn
“A hill or elevated landscape.”
Middle English
English
Meldon
“A place-name formed from elements interpreted as referring to a marked or monumental hill.”
Modern English
English
Meldon
“A surviving place-name for locations and landscape features in England.”