English Place-name Society

Survey of English Place-Names

A county-by-county guide to the linguistic origins of England’s place-names – a project of the English Place-Name Society, founded 1923.

Fishleigh

Early-attested site in the Parish of Hatherleigh

Historical Forms

  • Fislega 1228 FF
  • Fislegh 1242 Fees781
  • Fisseleg 1244 Ass
  • Middelfishlegh(e) 1302 Ass 1318 FF
  • Westfuslegh 1362 ADii
  • Fishleghe 1408 IpmR

Etymology

This name seems to be a compound of OE  fisc , 'fish,' and leah, but the reason for such a name is obscure. West Fishleigh (6″) is still marked on the map, as also Stone Fishleigh, Bishop's Fishleigh, Spear's Fishleigh, Arnold's Fishleigh and Grove's Fishleigh. Which of these was 'Middle' is not clear. Cf. Fishley (Nf), Fischele 1278, Fisshele , Fyshele 1295 Ipm.