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Porthleven
(EN)
/
Porthlynn
(KW)
Type:
Settlement
Parish:
Porthleven
Hundred:
Kerrier
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.