Felley
Major Settlement in the Parish of Felley
Historical Forms
- Felley', Felleia t.Hy2 Felley c.1500
- Felleya t.Hy2 Ch 1316 Ebor 1268 BM 1285
- Felley(e) 1280 Ass 1281 FF 1291 Tax 1305 Pat 1308 Ebor
- Fellay 1280 Ass
- Feleya, Feleia 1194 Holtzmann
- Falleḡ 1240 FF 1244 Cl
- Falley 1250 ib
- Fillay 1368 Wills
Etymology
Were it not for the forms in a this name would seem to be an exact parallel to Fellow (PN Sr 115), with earliest form Felelegh , which was interpreted as 'wood of the fellies' (OE felg , 'felly'), i.e. where such were cut. The Fall - forms make derivation from OE fealg , fealh , 'fallow land,' as suggested in DEPN, more probable. Hence 'clearing with fallow land.'