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.

Howsell, Upper and Lower

Early-attested site in the Parish of Leigh

Historical Forms

  • Howeshulle c.1230 ADiii
  • Houselle 1262 AOMB61 15th
  • Housel(e) 1279 Ipm 1312 FF 1383 FF
  • Neotherhousel in Leyghe 1354 FF
  • Howeshell
  • Howsell 1558–92 Wills 1592 QSR 1664 FF

Etymology

Professor Zachrisson suggests that in this name the first element is the OFr  pers. name Hugo (n ) which appears in the 13th cent. in English as Huwe , Howe , Hewe . Hence 'Hugh's hill,' v. hyll .