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.

Lilla Cross, Lilla Howe

Early-attested site in the Parish of Fylingdales

Historical Forms

  • Lillacros(se) 1108–14 Whitby 1314 NRS
  • Lilehaucros 1154–89 Whitby
  • Lillehowes 15 Whitby
  • crucem de Lilhow 1619 NRS

Etymology

'Cross on Lilla's mound' from the OE  Lilla and haugr and cros . Such a hybrid formation offers difficulties but seems here to be beyond question.