- From the Celtic word "Tamesis": This is the most widely accepted theory. The name "Tamesis" is thought to be derived from the Celtic word "tam", meaning "dark" or "black". This may refer to the dark color of the river water, which is caused by the mud and sediment that is carried downstream.
- From the Latin word "Tamisia": Another theory is that the name "Thames" comes from the Latin word "Tamisia", which means "the goddess of the river". The Romans were the first people to build a bridge across the river, and they may have named it after their goddess of rivers.
- From the Old English word "Temese": Some historians believe that the name "Thames" comes from the Old English word "Temese", which means "wide river". This is because the River Thames is one of the widest rivers in England.
It's important to note that there is no definitive answer to how the River Thames got its name. These are just a few of the most popular theories.