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.

Rableyheath

Early-attested site in the Parish of Codicote

Historical Forms

  • Frobbelehale ib.
  • Frobbenhal 1307 SR
  • Robley heyth 1542 FF
  • Robley heath al Frobley heath 1587 DKR38
  • Frobleye 1600 Wills
  • Rably Heath 1654 ib

Etymology

This name would appear to be identical in origin with Rabley supra 85. The present form is due to the normal dropping of initial w before r , but in ME  times there appears to have been another development in which wr , probably through vr , became fr . Cf. Flankwell (PN D 253). hale (v. healh ), because in a corner of the parish. It is possible that the name is really manorial in origin, someone from Rabley having settled in the district and given his name to this nook and heath. Cf. Burnham Green infra 125.