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.

Willesley

Early-attested site in the Parish of Sherston

Historical Forms

  • Wyvelesleye c.1207 BM
  • Wyvelesleg' 1256 FF
  • Wyvelesle 1306 FF
  • Wylsleye t.Hy8 Rental
  • Willesley 1589 FF

Etymology

Willesley is Wyvelesleye c. 1207 BM, Wyvelesleg '1256 FF, Wyvelesle 1306FF , Wylsleye t. Hy 8Rental , Willesley 1589FF . 'Wifel 's clearing or wood,' v. leah . Cf. Wilsford infra 326.