Ollerhead Family History

From a lost place called Holrenhead or Ollerhead in Briercliffe (Lancs). Considering the early bearer forms below, the place-name may derive from Old English *alren ‘growing with alders’ (from Old English alor ‘alder’ + the adjectival suffix -en).

Additionally, the name also incorporates hēafod ‘head, top, summit,’ which can refer to a ‘spit of land around which a river flows.’ This etymology suggests a landscape rich in alders and characterized by notable geographical features, possibly indicating its historical significance.

The relationship between the name and the natural environment highlights how place-names often reflect local flora and topography.

Understanding the origins of such names can offer valuable insights into the history and development of the area.

It fosters a connection between the past and present, illuminating how language and geography are interwoven in our understanding of place.