Chorley (Fm)
Early-attested site in the Parish of West Wycombe
Historical Forms
- Chordele 1227 Ass
- Chardele 1251 FF
- Charley c.1825 O
Etymology
The forms of this name are not sufficiently consistent with one another to allow of any certainty as to its etymology. If Chor - is the correct form no suggestion can be offered. If the Char -form is the correct one then the name may be from OE Cærdan -lēah , 'Cærda's clearing,' with the same pers. name as in Charndon and Chartridge supra . The modern Chorley may be due to the necessity of keeping the name distinct from the neighbouring Chawley .