Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Derelei(e) 1086 DB

• Dereleia e.13th RegAnt e.13th WollCh

• Derl(e)ia, Derleie, Derleg(a), Derle(i)gh, Derle(e), Derley(e) 1120–6 Ch 1329 RegAnt 1121–6 Ch 1154–76(1337),1155(1329) RegAnt c.1155,1161–75 Deed 1575

• in le Peek 1263–72,1268 RegAnt 1291 Tax 1362 Pat

• Dorlega 1161–75 RegAnt

• Dorleye 1275 RH

• Darley, Darle 1448 Felley

• Darley on le Peke 1497,1498 BelCh

Etymology

'Clearing frequented by wild animals', v. dēor , lēah ; cf. Darley Abbey infra 443. It is usually known as Darley Dale. The Urban District is subdivided into North and South Darley, the former being recorded as North Darley Eliz ChancP, ye North Medeitie 1639 DbA vi, the latter as South-medietie 1644 ib.