Flawith
Major Settlement in the Parish of Alne
Historical Forms
- Flathwayth c.1180–94 YCh
- Flathewath(e) 1207 Easby 1251 Ass 1252 Ass 1259 Ass 1282 YI 1301 LS
- Flaþewath 1289 For
- Flathewat' 1295 For
- Flatwath 1316 Vill
- Flawythe, Flawith 1316 KF Eliz FF 1582
Etymology
The second element is ON vað, 'ford.' Professor Ekwall suggests that the first element is the same word as Norw flade , Sw dial. flada , 'flat-meadow.' The whole name would then mean 'ford by the flat meadow-land.' Dr Lindkvist notes evidence for Norw *flað - with the same meaning as flat -, in Flaðkar (Rygh, NG xiv, 323).