Names of Places and their Meaning

Welsh Names

Rhayader – Waterfall,

Welsh: Rhaeadr Gwy – Waterfall on the Wye

I have heard a variety of local Welsh pronunciations for Rhayader,
Rye-ard-er
Rye-adder
Ray-a-da
Ree-adder
Dorothy always called it Rare-der
Over the border in England it is pronounced Ray-da, Raid-er or Rider.

Cwmdeuddwr– land between 2 rivers,

Welsh: Llansanffraid Cwmteuddwr - Church of St Bride by the land between 2 rivers

Local pronunciations
Kum-tyeth-er
Kum-dye-vror
Dorothy always pronounced it Kum-tie-ther

Gwardolau – Upper meadows

Dderw – Oaks

Cefnllys – Manor on a ridge

Fron – the breast or side of a hill, Welsh: Vron

Llanddewi Velfrey - Church of St David in Velfrey (an old Welsh administrative area)

Welsh: Llanddewi Efelffre

Penblewin - Pen translates as Head and Blewin translates as Hair. It literally translates as Headache. It could mean Blewin's Head. 

Herefordshire Names

Stoke Prior - Stoke is from the Old English 'Stoc' and means, outlying farmstead or hamlet. Prior refers to belonging to the Prior of Leominster.

Leominster - the Celtic name for the district Leon or Lene, from lei to flow, plus the English word minster, meaning a community of clergy. Pronounced, and for a long time spelt, Lemster.   

Widgeon Hill – Widgeon are small ducks.

Cobnash - Possibly 'Cobba's Ash-tree.

Baron’s Cross – Supposed meeting place of the Barons before confronting King John at Runnymede and forcing him to sign the Magna Carta.

Kimbolton - Cynebald's tun (farmstead or village).

Dewsall – Dewi’s Well (St David’s Well).