Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Schireslai, Scirlai, Schirelai 1086 DB

• Scirlaga 1145–66 LeonardR

• Skirlag 1240 FF

• Skirlagh(e), Skyrlagh(e) 1240 FF

• North Skyrlagh(e) c.1265 KF 1270 Melsa 1285 KI 1402 StoweCh

• Northkirlagh 1375 Works

• Skirlawe 1251 Ass 1292 Ch 1293 QW

• Schirlawe 1260 Rental

• Northskirlewe 1423 Baildon

• North Skyrley 1554,1571 FF

• Northskerley 1585 FF

Etymology

The DB spellings of this name and South Skirlaugh infra 51 suggest some confusion of English and Scandinavian forms. We have the common English place-name Shirley 'bright clearing' (v. scir , leah ) with OScand  skirr substituted. The spelling laghe for OE  leah is not uncommon in the north. Cf., for example, the spellings of Wensley (PN NRY 257).