The area was originally called Blackford Leys; "blackford" after the dark-coloured ford over the Thames at nearby Sandford-on-Thames, plus the Middle English "leys" meaning pasture or meadow.
The area was originally called Blackford Leys; "blackford" after the dark-coloured ford which crossed the southern branch of Northfield Brook at the entrance to Blackbird Leys farm (which no longer exists). The Middle English "leys" meaning pasture or meadow.