The name means slope where marigold grew, from the Old English golde meaning marigold.
The village lies about 6 miles 10 km) from Maldon and 5 miles (8 km) from Tiptree and lies on the back road between Goldhanger and the Maldon to Colchester road.
The village, which is not on any main road, is bordered by the villages of Little Totham, Goldhanger, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Tolleshunt Knights and Great Totham North and South.