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.

Reighton

Major Settlement in the Parish of Reighton

Historical Forms

  • Ricton(e), Rycton(e), Ryctona 1086 DB 1130–9 Bridl 12th Bardney 1160–76 YCh 1201 Cur 1331 Ch
  • Richton(a), Rychton(a) 1125–30 Bridl 1128–32 BM 1231 FF 1257 Ch 1294 Ebor 1304 YI 1331 Ch
  • Rihtuna, Ryhtuna, Ryhton(a) 1145–56 Riev 1276 RH 1304 YI
  • Righton, Ryghton 1251 Ass c.1265 KF 1597 BM
  • Rigthona 1331 Ch
  • Reighton 1828 Langd
  • Strop 1145–56, 1160–75 Riev

Etymology

The first element is the OE  *ric 'strip' discussed under Escrick infra 267. The significance of the word is not certain here, but it may have reference to the long ridge on the side of which the village stands. It should be added that an unidentified place here was called Strop 1145–56, 1160–75 Riev; this is from the rare OE  strop , ME  strop 'strap, band,' which may possibly refer to the same topographical feature (cf. Thwing infra 113). On the development of c to gh before t cf. Broughton (NRY) and Speeton supra 104. 'Farm on the strip (of land),' v. tun . v. Addenda lix.

Places in the same Parish