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.

Elkesley

Major Settlement in the Parish of Elkesley

Historical Forms

  • Elchesleig, Elcheslie, Elchesleie 1086 DB
  • Elkesle 1227 Ebor 1380 Dugdiv
  • Helkesleia 13th Welbeck
  • Helkesley 1267 Ebor
  • Elkisle 1291 Tax
  • Elkeleye 1305 FF
  • Elsley 1541 Wills 1574 FF
  • Elksley al. Elsley 1650 ParlSurv
  • Elsey 1675 Ogilby
  • Elkesley al. Elslea 1689 Recov

Etymology

The OE  personal name Ēalāc is on record in the LVD and we may, as Ekwall suggests (DEPN), have here a compound of that name and leah. Hence 'Ealac 's wood' or 'clearing.'