Strange Place Names
UK & Ireland

Place Name
County
Cumming Street 3
Country
England
Decimal Degrees
w3w
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Google Map Link
Key Words
Cumming Street, West Midlands, England
Where the street is quiet with no cumming and going!
Description: Street between Althorpe Street and Court Street in Leamington Spa, known for a name that guarantees a smirk before you’ve even stepped onto it.
Introduction:
Welcome to Cumming Street, bab - a place name that raises eyebrows, sparks giggles and forces locals to explain it with a straight face to confused visitors. Nestled in Leamington Spa, it’s one of those streets that seems designed purely to test your ability to say it without crackin up.
Whether you’re wanderin through its history, its quirks or its tales, Cumming Street offers a delightful mix of humour, charm and linguistic mischief. Buckle up, because this is one ride you won’t forget.

Toponymy:
Let’s rip this name to pieces:
Cumming – rooted in Old English and possibly Old Norse, linked to the idea of coming or arriving, far removed from the modern meaning that makes folk grin
Street – a simple thoroughfare, but when paired with Cumming it becomes a name that guarantees a smirk
Put together, Cumming Street becomes a name that’s become a staple of local humour and charm.
Historical Context:
The earliest known usage of Cumming Street dates back to the early 19th century, likely named after a local landowner or notable figure. Some say a Mr Cumming lived nearby, known for his cheeky grin and love of puns, settin the tone for the area’s humour.
Local tales include legendary pub crawls, races to say the name with a straight face and neighbours who greet each other with knowing smirks. Cumming Street has become part of Leamington Spa’s folklore, loved for its charm and its cheekiness.
Points of Interest:
Places near Cumming Street worth a decko:
Jephson Gardens – Victorian park perfect for strolls and tea
Royal Pump Rooms – historic spa building with museum and gallery
The Loft Theatre – local performances with plenty of character
Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum – local history and quirky exhibits
The Old Library – cosy spot for book lovers and local literature
Notable Figures:
Folk linked to Leamington Spa or the wider West Midlands:
George Eliot – novelist from nearby Nuneaton
William Shakespeare – Stratford’s Bard, who’d have loved the humour
David Beckham – footballer with Midlands roots
J K Rowling – author with ties to the region
Edward Elgar – composer born in the West Midlands
Conclusion:
So next time you find yourself on Cumming Street, take a moment to enjoy the laughter it brings. Whether you’re a local or just passin through, it’s a reminder that humour can be found in the most unexpected places.
And if you fancy more wonderfully daft names, wander over to www.strangeplacenames.com - where the names are waaaay too strange.
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52.2833, -1.5298
DMS
52°17'00.0"N 1°31'47.2"W
Populated Area & Rude
West Midlands
