Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Suthleg', Suthlee, Suthl' 1255–6 Ass

• Suthl' alia Suthleye 1291–2 Ass

• Sutle 1255–6 Ass

• Soudleye 1280 SAS3/VIII

• Gt. Soudley or Sowton 1695 Morden

• Sowdley 1862 PR(L)

• Little Soutley 1304 Ipm

Etymology

'South wood or clearing' (i.e. south of Cheswardine), v. sūð , lēah .The same name, also developed to Soudley, occurs in Eaton under Heywood and in Gl (PN Gl 3219).