Despite centuries of research, the exact origin of the name “London” remains uncertain and debated among linguists and historians. There are several competing theories, mostly focused on the name’s Celtic, Latin, or pre-Celtic roots.

Celtic Origin Theories

Many scholars believe that the name London derives from a Celtic word or phrase, given that the area was originally inhabited by Celtic-speaking tribes before the Roman conquest.

• The “Lond” Root: Some linguists suggest the root Lond- might come from a Celtic personal name, possibly Londinos, which means “bold” or “fierce.” This could mean “the place of Londinos” or “the settlement associated with Londinos.” Personal names were often used for places in Celtic tradition.
   

• The River Thames Connection: Another Celtic theory suggests that the name relates to the river. In Brittonic languages, the prefix Lon- or Lond- may mean “wild” or “bold,” possibly describing the river or a stream. London could mean “place on the wild river” or “river settlement.”
   

• The “Londin” and “Londinium” Formation: It is possible the Romans Latinized an existing Celtic place name, adapting it into Londinium, incorporating the “-ium” ending common in Roman place names.
   

Pre-Celtic and Indo-European Theories

Other theories posit that the name may have even older origins from pre-Celtic or Indo-European roots.

• The linguist Richard Coates proposed that London may derive from the Indo-European root plow- or lend- meaning “to flow,” referring to the watery environment of the Thames estuary.
   

Some suggest a link to the ancient name for the Thames, Tamesis, meaning “dark” or “flowing,” and that London’s name connects to geographic features like a river crossing or marsh. shutdown123