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Who Named London City?

Published in City Naming 2 mins read

The name "London" has a long and fascinating history. While no single person can be credited with naming the city in its entirety, its evolution is a story of adaptation and evolution.

From Londinium to London

The origins of the name can be traced back to the Roman settlement of Londinium, established around 50 AD. The exact etymology of Londinium itself is debated, but it's likely derived from a pre-Roman Celtic name for the area. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etymology_of_London

Following the Roman departure, the settlement continued to thrive. By the 8th century, Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, reclaimed and developed the area, renaming it Lundenburh, an Anglicized version of the original name. This name eventually shortened to the familiar "London." https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/england/london/articles/how-did-london-get-its-name

Therefore, the name "London" evolved over centuries, with contributions from various groups and historical events rather than a single person. Alfred the Great's role in its Anglicization is noteworthy, but the core of the name originates from the Roman era.

Note that "London" is also used to name various places globally, a testament to the city's global influence and historical significance. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_(disambiguation) However, the original and most prominent London remains the city in England.

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