The area in 1611. This extract is taken from John Speed's atlas of the English counties. Note that Oakengates is here spelt Okenyate. Other spellings include Oaken Gates, and Oaken Yate. The origin is obscure, and there are many interpretations, including a derivation fron Uxacona, the Roman settlement at Red Hill a mile away, oak lined roads (gates), and oak flanked gates. Take your pick, or invent a new one.