Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• le Holbey 1422 CplM

• le Holbay 1440 Ct

• the Holbay 1498,1526 Ct

• Holbye 1564 DuLa

Etymology

Hobby Way (lost) is the name of an ancient way somewhat on the line of St John's Road. It is named from a furlong, at the head of which the way passed. The furlong is called le Holbey (1422CplM ), le Holbay (1440Ct ), Holebaye (1445 Ct), the Holbay (1498, 1526Ct ), Hollebay (1552 Ct), Holbye (1564DuLa ), the Hobbye (1698 Ct). It is probably a compound of holh and OE  byge , 'curve, bend.' Hence 'hollow bend,' possibly from the lie of the land.