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Balham

suburban area · Greater London

Old EnglishAI-generated

Balham is likely of Old English origin, possibly from 'Beal's ham', meaning the homestead or village belonging to a person named Beal. Alternatively, it could relate to 'balg' (bag, pouch) and 'ham' (homestead), perhaps referring to a hollow or rounded homestead.

Word origins

Bal
Old EnglishPossibly from personal name 'Beal'.(from Beal "personal name")
ham
Old Englishhomestead, village, manor(from hām "homestead, village, manor")

Historical forms

Belgeham · Bægeham