Religious Place Names

Deseret, Utah, USA: In The Book of Mormon, “deseret” means “honeybee.”  The word comes from the book of Ether 2:3 in the Book of Mormon.  Mormons say that is in the language of the Jaredites.  Most historians doubt the existence of the Jaredites.

Grimscote, England:  Old English for “Grim’s Cot.”  Grim was an alternate name for the Norse deity Odin or Woden.

Harrow on the Hill, England: The Old English name of this town was Gumeninga hergae (temple of the Gumeninga tribe).  A “herg” was a “temple.” This word is the derivation of “harrow.”  The suffix “ingas” means “the people belonging to” and “Gumen” was a man’s name.

Weeford, England: The Old English word “weoh” means “holy.”

Kirkharle, England: This name of this town is of Old English origin.  “Kirk” means “church.”  “Harle” has two possible origins: 1. “Herela lea” (Herela’s grove) or 2. “herg leah” (temple grove).