
Leyton was recorded as Lugetune с. 1050 and Leyton in 1226. It is derived from Lea (the river) and the Old English tun. 'a farm' - and thus means 'the farm on the River Lea'. Lea is a Celtic name possibly meaning 'light river' or 'sparkling stream'.
The station was opened as Low LEYTON by the Eastern Counties Railway on 22 August 1856; re-named LEYTON on 1 January 1868. First used by Underground trains on 5 May 1947.