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.

Wishaw

Major Settlement in the Parish of Wishaw

Historical Forms

  • Witscaga 1086 DB
  • Witsahe, Wicsah, Witsah c.1194 Wollaton
  • Wittesshage 1182 P
  • Witteshage 1183–93 ib
  • Weshagh 1232 FF
  • Wusshah, Wushae 13th BirmDeed
  • Wys(s)awe 1249 LibAlb 1291 Tax 1291,1326 Ipm
  • Wyshawe 1262 Ass 1276 Cl 1375 IpmR
  • Wyschawe 1275 RH 1353 BM
  • Wisshawe 1327 SR 1354 Ipm 1401 Cl
  • Wysshagh 1344 FF
  • Whishawe 1272 Ass
  • Wyshshawe 1327 BirmDeed
  • Whisshaw 1675 Ogilby
  • Wihtsawe c.1280 ADv
  • Wi(g)shawe 1335,1380 Ch

Etymology

The interpretation of the first element in this name is uncertain. Possibly the name is a compound of OE  *wiht , 'curve,' the reference being to the large curving hollow to the east of the village or the smaller one to the west. For this word cf. PN BedsHu 216 and xli s. n. Whyte, and Witley (PN Wo 183).Hence, possibly, 'shaw by the curving hollow,' v. sceaga .