Type Settlement
Usage English
Meaning & History
A large city in North-West England. Manchester is an Anglicization of the town's Latin name Mancunium. This was likely derived from an earlier name in a language similar to Welsh. It may have derived from words equivalent to Welsh mamau, meaning 'mother', in reference to a local river goddess. It could also have meant 'breast-shaped hill/valley', from mynwes, 'breast, chest'.
The element '-chester' is likely a remnant of Old English.
The element '-chester' is likely a remnant of Old English.