Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Sourebi, Soureby 1086 DB 1354 Whitby

• Saurebi, Saureby 1145–8 YCh 1148–75 Whitby c.1170–9 YCh

Etymology

The name Sowerby is common in the north of England and that is identical with Norw  Sørby (ONorw i Saurby , Rygh, NG ii. 88, etc.) 'swampy farmstead.' An interesting explanation of the Icel  name is found in the Landnamabók : Steinolfr built a farm and called it Saurbæ , því at þar var myrlent mjǫk , i.e. 'because it was very swampy there.' v. saurr , by .