Religious Place Names

Theophoric names are a recognized category within onomastics, the study of place name origins.  They are names in which the name of a god or deity is embedded.  The word “theophoric” is derived from the Greek words θεός (theos = god) and φορός (phoros = tribute), a God tribute, bearing the  name of a god).  Theophorisms also occur in personal names such as Apollodorus, Theophrastus, Joel, Uzza, Manaf, Masih, Dorothy, Elizabeth, Bogomil, Michael, Christopher, Nathaniel, Timothy, Judah, Oswald, Marcus, Abijam, Ingrid, Daniel, Abdullah, and Rahman, among many others.

Odense, Denmark: From Odins Ve (“Odin’s shrine).

Osmussaar, Estonia: The Swedish name of this city was Odensholm.

Audresselles, France: Originally, the name of this commune was Oderzell, from Odin.

Ullefoss, Norway: From Ullr, the Norse deity of the hunt, plus “foss,” Norwegian for “waterfall.”

Tuesley, England: The name of this village is of Old English origin.  Tiw/Tig/Tyr, the god of law and heroic justice, plus “leah,” a clearing.