Westow
Major Settlement in the Parish of Westow
Historical Forms
- Wiuestou, Wyuestou, Wyvestou, Wyuestow 12th Kirkham a.1139 Riev 1451 Test
- Wyuestouwe 1255 Pat 1302 Ebor
- Wifestowe 1237 Ebor
- Winestowa, Wynestowa, Wynestou 1154–8(1336),1227,1336 Ch
- Wystowe 1365 Pat
- Westow(e) 14th Sawley 1473 Pat 1528 FF
- Westo 1563 FF
Etymology
This name seems to be identical with Westoe (PN NbDu 211, Wiuestoue 1125 Feodarium Dunelm. Prioratus) and the interpretation would seem to be 'place belonging to women,' from OE wif and stow . Unfortunately in neither case do we know of any historical justification for such a name. Cf. Whenby (PN NRY 30), Quemborough (Lei), and Wyton (supra 52).