Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Lairpel, Layrpel 1145–8 YCh 1301 LS

• Leirpel 1155–65 Whitby

• Lairpelle 1307 Whitby

• Lairepell 1395 ib

• Layerpelle 1396 ib

• Larepoole c.1540 Whitby

• Lirpoole 1622 NR

Etymology

The first element is leirr. The second is more difficult.Lindkvist (71, n. 2) suggests that it is OE  pyll. The history and forms of Marple (Ch), Merpille in 1285 (Ass) and so generally, do not make this very likely. Professor Ekwall suggests that the second element is the Norse word from which comes Norw  pøyla , 'pool.' This would suit the phonology and fit a Norse first element better.