indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Settlement & Region
Usage English, Anglo-Norman
Other Forms FormsDunelm (Latin), Dunholm (Old Norse), Duresme (Norman French)
Meaning & History
A cathedral city in the North-East of England. The name is derived from the city's Latin name Dunelm, which comprises of the Celtic element dun, 'fortress' (c.f Welsh dinas, 'city') and the Old Norse holme, which meant an island (referring to the peninsular formed by the River Wear).