In 1813 the Archway Road was constructed to avoid the slope up to Highgate Hill. The viaduct was designed by Sir Alexander Binnie and built in 1897 over the road in place of the former Highgate Archway which was a short tunnel. The district is, therefore, known as Archway. Railings, seven feet high, were erected on the viaduct to discourage the many suicides that took place here, but the view is still spectacular.

This district and road junction at the end of City Road takes its name from a once famous coaching inn that dates from at least 1638.

Amersham was recorded as Agmondesham in 1066 and the name is derived from the original wording Ealgmundsham, being the personal name of the Saxon Ealgmund, and Old English ham, a homestead' - 'the home of Ealgmund' and his family who once lived on a site here. Changed to Amersham с. 1675.

Alperton originally Ealhberhington, was recorded as Alprinton in the 12th century and the name is derived from the personal name of the Saxon Ealhbeart and Old English tun, 'a farm' - means 'the farm of Ealhbeart' and his family who once lived on a site here. It is sometimes recorded that Alperton is derived from 'apple farm', but this can be discounted. The name changed to Alperton in the course of time.

Aldgate is named after the gate which once spanned the road between Dukes Place and Jewry Street. The original gate was built by the Saxons and the name is derived from Aelgate - meaning 'open to all' a free gate. It has also been interpreted as the old-gate but this is probably incorrect. Aldgate was one of the original four gates in the City Wall, rebuilt in 1609 but demolished in 1761.

Acton Town was recorded as Acton (e) in 1181 and the name is derived from the Old English ac, 'oak' and tun, 'a farm' - meaning 'the farm by the oak tree(s)'. There was a busy little village in this area from the 16th century onwards developing into the town of Acton. It has been known as Church Acton to distinguish it from East Acton, formerly a separate hamlet.