Porthleven (EN) / Porthlynn (KW)

Type: 
Parish: 
Hundred: 
Notes: 
The name is often interpreted as ‘Smooth Harbour’, but the historical forms show a change from ‘lynn’ to ‘leven’, perhaps influenced by nearby ‘St Elvaen’.
Elements: 

lynn

Meaning: 
pool, pond

porth

Meaning: 
cove, gate, harbour
Elements notes: 
<porth> 'cove, entrance, landing place' + lynn 'pond, lake'
Historic forms: 
Porthlyn 1340, Porthleven 1529, Porth Levan 1584, Port-levan c1605.