Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Rudele 12,13 Glouc 1212–17 RBE c.1270,1282 For

• Rudel 1248 Ass

• Rudle 1248 1595 Comm

• Rudhill 1501 FF

• Rodele 12 Glouc c.1275 For 1276,1355 Heref

• Rodull(e) 1527 FF

• Redleg' in Neuham c.1260 GlR

• Ruddille, Ruddylle 1533 Glouc 1546 LP

• Ruddell 1535 VE 1592 Dep

• Ruddle 1569 FF 1642 Comm

Etymology

It is difficult to separate the spellings of Ruddle from those of Rodley (204infra ), and doubtless they have influenced each other.The first el. of Ruddle is OE  hrēod 'reed' or the OE  pers.n. Rudda , and the second OE  hyll 'hill' or possibly lēah; cf. Okle Clifford (177supra ); if the Redleg ' form is correct and not influenced by Rodley, it would seem to be 'clearing amongst the reeds', as Rodley itself is.