Wratten
Early-attested site in the Parish of Hitchin
Historical Forms
- Wrattonebrade 1381 Cl
- Wratton Close c.1840 TA
Etymology
Wratten (Kelly) is Wrattonebrade 1381 Cl, Wratton Close c. 1840TA . The form is late, but it may be that the first element is OE wrætt , 'crosswort,' hence 'farm where crosswort grows,' v. tun and brædu infra 250. Crosswort is not a common plant in Hertfordshire but is locally frequent in the Hitchin district (E. J. S.). Ekwall in Studies (112) takes this word to be the source of Wratting (C, Sf), the name meaning 'place where crosswort grows,' cf. Cressing, Clavering (PN Ess 285, 548).