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.

Smaithwaite

Early-attested site in the Parish of St John's, Castlerigg and Wythburn

Historical Forms

  • Smathwaitis c.1280 Furness
  • Smerthwayte 1530 FF
  • Smethwayte 1552 FF
  • Smaytwhait 1566 PR(Crosth)
  • Smaytwhait Brigg 1567 PR(Crosth)
  • Smathate bridge 1599 ib
  • Smathods Bridge 1675 Ogilby

Etymology

Probably 'small clearing,' from ON  smá(r), 'small,' and þveit.