1108 years before the Christian era. Mr. Polwhele, who supposed the
numerous _Hams_ in Devon to have owed their names to the worship
of Jupiter _Hammon_, would, I imagine, have derived Totnes from the
Egyptian god Thoth or Taut; or, perhaps, directly from King Thothmes.
Westcote observes that some would have the name from,--

"The French word _tout-à-l'aise_, which is in English, all at
ease; as if Brutus at his arrival in such a pleasant soil ...
should here assure himself and his fellow-travellers of
ease, rest, and content; and the _l_, in this long time, is
changed into _n_, and so from _tout-à-lesse_ we now call it
_tout-à-nesse_, and briefly Totnessse. This would _I willingly
applaud, could I think or believe that Brutus spake so good
French_, or that the French tongue was then spoken at all.
Therefore, I shall with the more ease join in opinion with
those who would have it named _Dodonesse_, which signifieth
[in what language?] the rocky-town, or town on stones, which
is also agreeable with the opinion of Leland."

Totnes is denominated Totenais and Totheneis in _Domesday Book_; and
in other old records variously spelt, Toteneis, Totteneys, Toteneys,
Totton', Totteñ, Totenesse, Tottenesse, Tottonasse, Totonie, &c.
Never, Donodesse.

J.M.B.

Totnes, April 23. 1850.

[1] _A View of Devonshire in MDCXXX._, by Thomas Westcote,
Esq., Exeter, 1845.