The village's name is derived from its location at the southern end of Bottisham Lode that links it to the River Cam.

A lode is an artificial water channel used to drain the Fens, thought to be of Roman origin.

Lode also has the smaller hamlet settlement of Long Meadow as part of the parish to the east along the B1102.

[2] Lode is the location of Anglesey Abbey, which was formerly the home of the Fairhaven family, who lived there for many years, but is now the property of the National Trust.

In the 19th century, Anglesey Abbey was owned and occupied by Reverend Hailstone who was also vicar of Bottisham.