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.

Barnby

Early-attested site in the Parish of Bossall

Historical Forms

  • Barnebi, Barneby 1086 DB 1416 YI
  • Barnby(e) 14 Kirkham 1316 KF

Etymology

This name, together with Barnby (135infra ), other Barnbys in YWR and two in Nt, offers difficulties. There is an ON  pers. name Bjarni but this should appear in ME  as Berne . Nielsen gives a reconstructed Danish *Barni but it is doubtful if we should use such to explain so common a p.n. and for the moment judgment must be reserved as to the precise name involved.

Places in the same Parish

Early-attested site