Leyton was historically a rural parish known as Low Leyton before becoming part of the London conurbation.

Originally, Leyton was a rural parish in Essex, known as Low Leyton because it lay low by the River Lea. It remained largely rural until the 19th century when the expansion of London absorbed it into the metropolitan area. The Great Eastern Railway renamed its station from Low Leyton to Leyton in 1868 as the area urbanized. Over time, Leyton transitioned from farmlands and open spaces into a bustling suburb with factories and homes.