At the heart of the City of Oxford, the four roads leading from the old city gates form an ancient crossroads. This gave birth to the name ‘Carfax’, derived from the Latin quadric-furcus, literally ‘four-forked junction’. Given the role which Carfax undertakes, providing guidance to those facing difficult choices at ‘crossroads’ in their lives, this was adopted as the title of the company.

In 1610 a fountain was placed in Carfax, sourced by the Carfax Conduit, which channelled fresh water to the citizens of Oxford from its source in the surrounding hills. This fountain has been chosen as the company’s symbol, as it embodies all its values; the Carfax Tutorial establishment in Oxford, situated close to this ancient site, stands as a fountain of knowledge, with its source in one of most eminent academic foundations in the world.