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.

Keasbeck

Early-attested site in the Parish of Hackness

Historical Forms

  • Kesebec, Kesebek 1155–65 Whitby 1231 Ass 1395 Whitby
  • Kesbek 1175–98 Whitby

Etymology

The first element is ON  kjóss 'a small creek, valley, recess,' which enters into a number of Norw place-names (cf. Rygh, NG Indledning 60); v. bekkr .