Viking Place Names

Viking place names are locations in regions like the British Isles that retain words from the Old Norse language brought by Viking settlers. These names often describe features of the land, such as “by” meaning village or “thwaite” meaning clearing, or relate to local geography, history, or notable events. They offer clues about Viking settlement patterns and their influence on local culture. Studying these names helps historians understand Viking activity, migration, and the way they integrated with existing communities, preserving a linguistic legacy that still shapes place names today.