Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Rokey(e) 1215 ClR 1276,1291 For

• bosc. de Ro(o)khey 1323 For

• Rothey 1275 RH

• Rouhay 1285 Ass

• Roughey p.1350 Rental

• Rouffey-hall 1768 M

• Rauthe Hall 1777 C

• Roffa 1254 Ass

Etymology

The early forms point to a compound 'rook-enclosure' (v. hroc , (ge)hæg), which may have been influenced by the connection of Peter de Roffa (1254Ass ) with the neighbourhood.His name may, however, be derived from this very place, when the name would be identical with Roffy and Rolphy Green infra 477, 271, and mean 'rough enclosure or wood,' v. ruh . In view of the varied forms for Rufford (PN Nt 114), the second alternative seems preferable, and the early k may be due to the well- known difficulty of the Normans in pronouncing the guttural spirant h . Cf. Rougham (Sf), Ruhham DB, Rugham , Rucham 1243, 1271 FF, Rougham (Nf), Rucham , Ruhham 1203 Cur, The Roughter (Sx), Roweton , Rugheton 1327, 1332, Rowkton 1339 (PN Sx 512), Rowington (Wa), Rochintone DB, Rokinton 1206 Cur, and Rockett's Cottages infra 78.