Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Rokkelei, Rokkelay 1185–1215 YChvi 1366 YDi 1368 Edmunds

• Rokel', Rokelay 1195–1207 YCh 13,1335 YDi

• Rockeley, Rockelay 13 Brett 1250 Ebor

• Rockley, Rocklay 1302 YDi 1344 MinAcct 1594 FF

• Roklay, Rokley 1357 YDi 1379 PT 1546 YChant

• Rockley-Abbey 1822 Langd

Etymology

Rockley Abbey, Rokkelei , Rokkelay 1185–1215 YCh vi(p), 1366 YD i, 1368 Edmunds, Rokel ', Rokelay 1195–1207 YCh 1649, 13, 1335 YD i, Rockeley , Rockelay 13 Brett, 1250 Ebor (p)1314 Pat, 1344MinAcct 86, Rockley , Rocklay 1302 YD i, 1344MinAcct 86, 1594 FF, Roklay , Rokley 1357 YD i, 1379 PT (p)et freq to 1546 YChant, Rockley -Abbey 1822 Langd. 'Forest-glade or clearing frequented by rooks', v. hrōc , lēah , cf. Rockley W 304. There was early shortening of hrōca (gen.plur.) to ME  Rŏk (k )e - in the compound.