The formation of Old English place names is governed by three rules.

Rule 1
We do not find personal names, adjectives, plant names and animal names alone as place names. They are invariably accompanied by a generic. They are therefore only found in place names accompanying and specifying a generic element.

Rule 2
We find the names of natural features, man made features and the names of groups of people (folk names) as place names alone, modified by a specific, and as specifics accompanied by a generic.

Rule 3
We find the names of habitations as place names alone, and as generic elements accompanied by a specific. They do not occur as specific elements.