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.

Kelly

Major Settlement in the Parish of Kelly

Historical Forms

  • Chenleia 1086 DB(Exon)
  • Chenleie
  • Chelli 1166 RBE
  • Kelli 1219 Ass 1391 Exon
  • Kelle juxta Bradiston 1346 Ass
  • Kellegh 1428 FA
  • Killi 1219 Ass

Etymology

The DB form is exceptional and may probably be disregarded.If so, the name is clearly of Celtic origin corresponding to Co  celli , 'wood, grove,' common in Cornish place-names (Pengelly, Killigrew, etc.). There is still a fair amount of woodland in the parish.

Places in the same Parish