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.

Rye Hill

Early-attested site in the Parish of Epping Upland

Historical Forms

  • Rye 1248 Ass
  • ate Rihelle 1319 SR
  • Reyhill t.Eliz LP
  • Rye hill 1594 N
  • Rye Street 1768 M

Etymology

Rye Hill was probably the home of Ralph de Rye (1248Ass ) and William ate Rihelle (1319SR ). It is Reyhill (t. ElizLP ), Rye hill (1594 N) and Rye Street (1768 M). This is from ME  at ther ye (i.e. 'at the marshy land'), v. æt , eg and cf. Rye (PN Sx 536). The place must have received its name from the lower ground near Cobbins Brook.