Finghall
Major Settlement in the Parish of Finghall
Historical Forms
- Finegal(a) 1086 DB
- Fingala, Fingale, Fyngale 1086–c.1112 Dodslxxvi 1406 YI
- Finyngale, Fynyngale 1157 RichReg 1291,1300 Ebor
- Fininghal(e), Fyninghal(e), Fynynghal(e) 1184 RichReg 1236 Pat 1300 Ebor
- Fynkall 1285 KI
- Finegale, Fynegale 1289 Ebor 1290 Ch
- Fynighale c.1291 Tax
- Fenegale 1301 LS
- Fynghall 1361 FF
- Fyngell 1548 RichWills 1574 FF
Etymology
Bugge's suggestion that Finghall (YNR) is identical with the Irish p.n. Fingall (co. Dublin) is quoted by Ekwall (Scands. and Celts 87, IPN 34) as an example of Irish influence. This is an interesting solution of the name, but the fact that spellings with Fining - are not infrequent and the fact that the greater number of local p.n.'s in that area are of Anglian origin points to an Anglian origin for this name.
The first element is probably an OE pers. name. The name Finn is only on record in the Heroic poems but the forms of Finghall suggest that the name had a single n . More probably we should therefore presume the same OE name Fīn which Ekwall finds in Finningham (Sf), DBFiningaham (PN in -ing 313) and in Fyning (Sx). This is found in the derivative form Finca in Finkley (Ha) and the pers. name Fynke recorded in Berkshire in the 12th cent. Cf. also OGer Fino , Finich in Förstemann (PN 506). Hence, 'nook or corner of Fin's people,' v. h(e)alh.