Survey of English Place-Names

Etymology

Clay Hill, Claysmore. Cf. William atte Cleye 1274Ass , Clayhyll 1524SR , tenement called Clayes , Clayes More Grove 1610DuLa , Clayhillgate 1636 ib. A John Clay is also mentioned in 1420 (MinAcct ). The place-name Clay Hill was probably originally descriptive. The history of Claysmore is uncertain.It may be of manorial rather than local origin, the place taking its name from the family of Clay whose name was ultimately of local origin. The two places are close together.