Delve into the fascinating stories behind these place names, including Ryhope, where a 'rough' beginning is just the start of the tale.
And while Ryhope has ‘rough’ origins, South Shields is fishy and Sunderland is out on its own.
Intrigued? Read on for more of an insight into the communities you know and where their names came from.
9. Westoe
Back to July 1970 and the banner of Harton and Westoe Miners' Lodge outside the empty buildings of Harton Colliery. The Anglo-Saxon name Westoe comes originally from Wyvestowe which means ‘place of the women’. | Shields Gazette Photo: Shields Gazette
10. Ryhope
Training a pit pony at Ryhope in May 1947. Ryhope comes from the Old English words reof and hoppa. That means "rough valley". | se
11. Seaham
A litter pick on Seaham Harbour beach in July 2024. Seaham is another name which comes from Old English origins. It means sae ham or sea town. | Sunderland Echo