Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Withikill 1226 FF

• Old Wihekul 1258 YI

• Wythichil 1260 Ass

• Wythekill 1285 KI

• Whithegill' 1423 MinAcct

• Withgill 1587 WillY

Etymology

Withgill, Withikill 1226 FF, Old Wihekul 1258 YI, Wythichil 1260Ass , Wythekill 1285 KI, Whithegill '1423MinAcct , Withgill 1587 WillY. The place stands on the top of a ridge above the R. Hodder.Ekwall is therefore correct in deriving the name from OE  wīðig, ON  víðir 'willow' and ON  kili , dat.sg. of kjǫlr 'a ridge' (later replaced by the common gil 'ravine').