Survey of English Place-Names

Historical Forms

• Galtecoue 1238–46 Kendi,393

• Goytcowe 1577 Dep

• Goatecoue 1578 Comm

• Gautkey 1633 Dep

Etymology

Goatscar, 1857OS , an extensive rocky hillside and scar; in the neighbourhood was Galtecoue 1238–46 Kend i, 393, Goytcowe 1577Dep , Goatecoue 1578Comm , Gautkey 1633Dep ; other spellings in -gowte -, -gout -, -goyt - for Carlegowtecowghe (infra ) show that the first el. cannot be from OE  gāt 'goat', but must be from ON  gǫltr '(wild) boar'. The second el. of Goatscar is sker 'scar', and in the older name OE  cofa 'cove, recess in the hills', which occurs several times in this area (Snowcove, etc. infra ).