Harby
Major Settlement in the Parish of Harby
Historical Forms
- Herdrebi 1086 DB
- Herdebi ib.
- Herdeby 1266 Misc 1280,1330 Ass 1284–90,1318 Ch 1291 Tax 1316 FA 1320,1365 FF
- Herdeby juxta Eykel 1319 Dugdvi
- Herdby 1376 Pat
- Hertheby t.Hy2(1316),1284–90 Ch 1280 Ass 1320 FF 1330 Ass 1332 SR
- Herdheby 1275 RH
- Hertheby et non Herdeby 1302 Ass
- Herthby juxta Thornhagh 1330 ib
- Hordeby 1302 FA
- Hardeby 1383 IpmR 1442 FF
- Hardeby al. Harby 1615 Recov
Etymology
Lindkvist (10) suggests that the first element here may be either OWSc hjarðar , gen. sg. of hjǫrð , 'herd of cattle,' or alternatively the personal name Herrøðr in the gen. sg. Hence 'by of the herd' or 'by belonging to Herrøðr .' The latter is the more likely (DEPN). Whatever the interpretation of the name may be it is noteworthy that the Scandinavian gen. termination -ar was still preserved at the date of DB. No other example of its survival has been found in the county. Near Eagle (L) and Thorney (infra 207).