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.

Dwelly Fm

Early-attested site in the Parish of Lingfield

Historical Forms

  • Dueleye, Duelye, Dwolye 1279 Ass
  • Duolie 1332 SR
  • Dwely 1430 Cl
  • Dwelly 1749 B
  • Dwelley Copyse 1547 Pat

Etymology

Dwelly Fm is Dueleye , Duelye , Dwolye 1279Ass , Duolie 1332 SR (all p), Dwely 1430Cl , Dwelly 1749 B. It would seem to have a parallel in Dwelley Copyse (1547 Pat) nr. Tong (K). The second element in this name is probably leah rather than eg . Dr Ritter would connect the first element with OE  (ge )dwela , (ge )dwola , 'error, confusion,' possibly 'wandering, going astray.' The exact significance of such a compound remains obscure.