Farley (Fm and Hill)
Early-attested site in the Parish of Luton
Historical Forms
- Ferleya juxta Lectonam Hy2 Ch 1285
- Farlege 1201 FF 1297 SR
- Fareleye 1276 RH 1526 LS 1590 NQiii
- Farle 1291 Tax
- Fayreley Eliz ChancP
- Farl(e)y Eliz ChancP
Etymology
Though no n is found in the early forms this is clearly for OE fearnleah, 'fern or bracken-covered clearing.' Farley (Db, Sf, Sr, W, Wo) and Farlow (Sa) all have fearn as their first element, and in all alike forms without an n are found from early times.