"More unconventional or quirky street names such as ‘Crotch Crescent’ or ‘Shaggs Meadow’ may deter buyers"
- Kesha Foss-Smith - John D Wood & Co
A new analysis of ordnance survey data by Zoopla finds that High Street is the most common name for a street (with 2086), followed by Station Road (1939) and Church Street (1408).
Whilst the first high street was not thought to have been established until the 1870s following urbanisation, the name is thought to have originated in the 12th century when the word ‘high’ was adopted to indicate something or someone of a more important status than others.
Early street names in medieval England were practical, drawn from a nearby tree or river, the farm at the end of the road or the inn on the corner. Streets might be named for what happened there and also what you could find—the butcher, the church or the produce market. Other streets were helpfully named for where they led to, take the London Road to London, for example, of which there are 4992.
The most popular street names in the UK
1: High Street - 2086
2: Station Road - 1939
3: Church Street - 1408
4: Church Lane - 1328
5: Church Road - 1074
6: Mill Lane - 1032
7: The Green - 948
8: Main Street - 821
9: Green Lane - 805
10: School Lane - 803
Nearly one in three street names only appear once in the UK, with a total of 288,000 unique street names. Within this list, there are several unusual names including Bumble Hole Lane, named after a short railway that opened outside of Birmingham in 1878.
Nowadays, the rules surrounding the naming of streets are far more rigorous. Names should be clear, and different to anything else already in use within the area. Street names that could be seen as advertising or offensive are also likely to be rejected.
The least popular street names in the UK
Bumble Hole Lane - Worcestershire
Cock-A-Dobby - Bracknell
Crotch Crescent - Oxford
Hoverfly Close - Gosport
San Francisco Walk - East Suffolk
Shaggs Meadow New Forest
Tumbling Dice Mews - Dartford
Wuffle Gardens Nuneaton & Bedworth
Ynysmaerdy Terrace Rhondda Cynon Taf
Zorbit Mews - Tameside
Although there’s no clear evidence of the impact of a quirky street name on the desirability of a property, Kesha Foss-Smith, Regional Director at John D Wood & Co. is of the view that it could make a difference.
Kesha explains: “Street names have a powerful influence on the desirability of a property, as they often convey a sense of what the area offers or the lifestyle associated with living there.
"Names like ‘The Green,’ ‘Mill Lane,’ or ‘Church Lane’ evoke images of idyllic, tranquil settings or proximity to desirable amenities like open spaces and historical landmarks, making these properties particularly appealing to buyers. For instance, a street name that suggests a location close to schools, like ‘School Lane,’ can attract families looking for convenience and a sense of community.
“On the flip side, more unconventional or quirky street names such as ‘Crotch Crescent’ or ‘Shaggs Meadow’ may deter buyers. While some may find them charming, others might hesitate due to concerns about perceptions or even superstitions. A street name plays a crucial role in the sense of prestige associated with a property; no matter how beautiful the house is, buyers want to feel proud of their address, not hesitant to share it."
A royal seal of approval
Naming streets after Kings and Queens is an age-old tradition in the UK. Out of the top 100 most popular streets in the UK, 30 have royal connotations. In the top 20, Queen Street and Victoria Road reign, with 560 and 554 respectively. Although the local council or planning department is now responsible for naming streets, the use of the word ‘Royal’ or an associated word is not permitted without written consent from the Lord Chamberlain’s Office4.
Daniel Copley, Consumer Expert at Zoopla, commented: “The name of the street you are moving to might not be the first thing you think about when entering into the home buying process, but it’s certainly something that should be considered. Some street names might put off future buyers, particularly if it has an unsavoury connotation. That being said, a street name that is unusual, might help avoid confusion when having post delivered or directing others to your property. Right, I’m off to Bumble Hole Lane.”
