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.

Ratley

Major Settlement in the Parish of Ratley and Upton

Historical Forms

  • Rotelei 1086 DB
  • Rotele 1155 P 1316 Cl
  • Rotlegh, Rotley 1302 FF 1315 Ipm
  • Rotteleia t.Hy2 BM
  • Rottele 13th,c.1250 AD 1236 FF 1535 VE
  • Rotleye 1387 FF
  • Ratley 1538 LP
  • Ratley al. Roteley 1718 Recov
  • Ratle al. Ratclyffe 1549 Pat 1609 FF

Etymology

Perhaps 'cheerful clearing,' from OE  rōt , 'cheerful,' and leah.Cf. Johnston, PN EW 412.

Places in the same Parish

Early-attested site

Other OS name