English Place-name Society

Survey of English Place-Names

A county-by-county guide to the linguistic origins of England’s place-names – a project of the English Place-Name Society, founded 1923.

Will Ave

Early-attested site in the Parish of Askerton

Historical Forms

  • duas Wiliavels c.1195 Laner
  • Willieaver 1586 ExchKR
  • Willyeaver 1589 ib
  • Willyeavide in Gilsland 1591 Border
  • Willyavye 1603 Gilsland
  • Willyaby 1603 Map
  • Willeva
  • Woolleva 1730 PR (Laner), Will
  • ave 1751 ib

Etymology

Prof. Ekwall suggests that the forms are consistent with derivation from OE  wilig and geafol (cf. German Gabelbach ) 'river-fork where willows grow.'