Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Farulvestun 1086 DB

• Farleston' 1331 AddCh

• Fostun, Fostona, Foston(e) a.1138 Okeover 1162 Tutbury 1232 FF 1272 AddCh 1281 Ass 1283 FF

• Foteston' e.14th SaltCh

Etymology

The history of this name is difficult. The identification of the DB name seems certain and it is supported by a later charter which refers to land in Scropton et Farleston '. This is 'Farulf's farm', v. tūn , the first element being the OGer pers.n. Farulf . In view of the fact that Farleston ' appears as late as 1331, it may be presumed that Foston was originally a separate settlement nearby, which in course of time became the more important. Foston is 'Fōt's farm', v. tūn , the first element being an OScand pers.n. corresponding to the ON  nickname Fótr . Cf. Foston (PN NRY 39, PN ERY 91, etc.).