What's in a Name?

by Cyril M. Harris

What's in a name?

The origins of station names on the London Underground and Docklands Light Rail.

What style of dress gave its name to a well-known London landmark? Why does a district of London take its name from a church with a bull's head? Which gardens were given to the nation by Queen Victoria? Where were fires lit to guide travellers across London? Who had his coffin made from a special oak tree?

What's in a name?
gives the answers to these and many other questions. It contains the name-origins and history of all the Underground stations, the dates they were opened and any former names they may have had.

This fascinating book is a 'mini-history' of London and parts of the surrounding counties.

The author
Cyril M. Harris was born in London and has had a lifelong interest in geography, history and place-name origins.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, London, Travel, Reference, Transport, British Literature

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Kelly]

two of my fondest loves - etymology and the London Underground - in one sweet, sweet volume

[Chantal]

Brilliant little book for any Londoner or anyone who’s ever lived there especially if you love history, etymology, and geography.

[Sara]

this is a review of the updated edition from 2023 I think

Really great etymology and historical facts!

Had no idea how many London name places was based on random Saxon farmsteads from post-Roman pre-Viking times

[Thijs Werkman]

A nice little book about the history of the names from the underground-stations and the docklands high-real in London.

[Mary Arkless]

This is a very nice, little book that tells you just a little bit about every London Tube station (and the Docklands Light Rail on a couple of pages at the end). You can find out what the name might mean, how it morphed over hundreds of years to what it is today, what the station might have been called previously, when it was first opened. If it was first a railway station, you are also told when it first was used as a Tube station.

Borrowed from a friend. Would be excellent help when playing Pointless!

[Nina]

I bought this book when I was in London in December. It's great to know the story behind the names of tube stations because sometimes I wondered: "why exactly is it called that?" This book answered these questions just fine.

[Jorge Padilla]

This is a reference book. It contains the names of all the London Underground stations with a small historical explanation of the origins of such names. In most cases the stations take their name from the place where they are located, therefore the history of the name of the place is what is really provided. The former names of the stations (when applicable) and the date of opening or name change are also provided.

[Teresa]

This would have been more fun to read in London as you are in the underground stations. Next time I go to London, I will bring the book and do that. It was hard to remember some of the info from some stations, I feel it was because I was not in that station.

[Sally]

Fantastic photos and interesting derivations. Good to dip into.

[Steve Mitchell]

A nice little read for anyone wondering how all the London Underground and Docklands Light Railway stations got there names. Essential reading for train nerds or frequent travellers on London’s public transport network (I’m a bit of both.)

[Michael Buckley]

It was good for the places I have lived in London, but kind of got boring in many other parts. Great as a reference guide too. Great for London history buffs.

[Matthew Smith]

Very interesting content but the writer comes across disinterested, leaves spelling and grammar mistakes in, seems a bit holier-than-thou and so on, but decent enough content to fill a day

[Lisa]

Nice short description of London Underground station names. Lots of history.

[PJ Wenzel]

If you’ve spent time living in or traveling around London on the Tube, this will be an enjoyable little book for you. I really enjoyed reading the anecdotes and historical background stories.

[MJ]

Lots of fun info!

[The Reading Bibliophile]

Gorgeous little book on the etymology of the names of The Underground stations.

Is there such a book about the Paris Métropolitain? Have to check this out.

[Christopher Hunt]

An interesting read, learned a lot.

[Daniel Kukwa]

A slim little book that passes the time with interesting facts about the name-origins of London tube stations. It wins points for adding stations along the Docklands light rail system. However, it loses points for leaving out the old Easton London line stations...many of which (such as Wapping, Shoreditch & Rotherhithe) deserve entries of their own. Yes yes, you'll remind me that they have been transfered to the London Overground system...but their historical legacy counts for a great deal.

[Tareq Binhatem Al Blooshi]

كتاب جميل يختص بذكر الأسباب وراء تسمية محطات قطار لندن بكل إسم ( London Underground Tube ) .. الكتاب لطيف جداً، أنصحكم بقراءته في الطريق إلى لندن، أو في قطار لندن !

بعد قراءة هذا الكتاب تستطيع ان تتيقن من إهتمام الإنجليز بتاريخهم العريق و رموزه .

[Sari]

My sister Cari gave me this for Christmas as she lives in London and I love anything about The Underground. Full of facts about all of the stations, I can't wait to read it.

[Elwood D Pennypacker]

The origin of Cockfosters is slightly dissappinting.

[Duncan]

Fascinating book. I simply love the Underground and anything about it !!!!!

[Bill]

A concise little book delving into the origins of station names on the London Underground. A good book to carry with you as you travel around The Tube.

[Rachel]

Very cool history of the London Underground names.

[massmarketbareback]

Great book for people interested in London and the under ground.