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I was reading this question What is the reciprocal verb of "to thank"?, and naturally the (non existent, but surely quite useful) word unthank came to mind. I then recalled there are several places in England and Scotland called Unthank. Does anyone know why they are called this rather strange name? Presumably it isn't due to the ingratitude of the inhabitants.

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The Internet Surname Database gives this explanation:

According to the Oxford Directory of English Place Names, the place and hence the surname derives from a pre 7th century Olde English word "unpance" which means literally "without leave," and described an area of land which was occupied unlawfully.

Rahul (in the comments here) makes a great observation about the Surname Database's facts:

I think the site mistransliterated unþanc, where þ is pronounced th. There are far more relevant hits for unþanc, including Anglo-Saxon dictionaries, than there are for unpance (no hits for unþance though).

(I think Rahul is almost certainly correct about this.)

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That database looks like a great resource — although I wish they’d give references, so that one could be more sure of their reliability. – PLL Feb 5 '11 at 0:55
@PLL: Agreed, although this particular entry does mention this Oxford Directory. – Kosmonaut Feb 5 '11 at 1:03
Yep — in some cases they’re good and conscientious, but it’s a bit uneven. But it’s marvellous fun for browsing… – PLL Feb 5 '11 at 1:04
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Well this just reminds me of the lovely English folk group The Unthanks. – Orbling Feb 5 '11 at 1:57
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I think the site mistransliterated unþanc, where þ is pronounced th. There are far more relevant hits for unþanc, including Anglo-Saxon dictionaries, than there are for unpance (no hits for unþance though). – Rahul Narain Feb 5 '11 at 20:05
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