Dawley
Early-attested site in the Parish of Harlington
Historical Forms
- Dallega 1086 DB 1416 FF
- Dalleye next Hirdyngton 1311 FF
- Daulee 1199 Cur
- Danleg (sic) 1238 FF
- Dawley courte 1592 Ct
- Doyley 1710 S
Etymology
The name seems to be a compound of OE dal, 'dole, part, share,' etc. and leah, 'clearing,' with reference to a piece of land shared out between various settlers. The first element cannot be dæl , 'dale, valley,' as suggested by Ekwall (DEPN s. n .), since the surrounding country is dead level.