Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Stiveleya, Stiveleia, Stivele 1154–67 Ch 1316 Dugd c.1155

• Stivelleia 1161 1166 RBE 1240 FF 1316,1328 Ch

• Styueley 1330 Ass

• Stiueclea 1166 RBE

• Styueteley 1323 Ass

• Steuetelay 1323 Ass

• Styfglayfryth 1334 Pat

• Stedeley 1423 Cl

• Steteley 1429 IpmR 1431 Fine

• Steetley 1553 Halliv

• Stukeley 1572 BM

• Stakeley al. Steteley 1574 BM

• Stekeley al. Stewkley 1574 BM

• Stickley 1698 Coxi

Etymology

The name was discussed in PN Nt 109 where other forms are given and where it is suggested that it is 'stumpy wood or clearing' from OE  styfiht 'covered with stumps' and lēah.

In view, however, of the forms with -k -, the most reasonable explanation is that it is identical in origin with Stewkley (PN Bk 72), where early forms in Stive - are found, and which means 'stump clearing', from OE  styfic and lēah . Forms in -t - might well be errors of transcription and the later interchange of -t – and -c - is well evidenced in p.ns.