Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Earl

Earl comes from the Olde English word “eorl” meaning “nobleman, chieftain, warrior” and was given as a title of nobility (during the Middle Ages an “earl” was essentially the equivalent to the continental European “count”). Today in Britain, an Earl ranks higher than a Viscount but lower than a Marquis. The old Anglo-Saxon “eorl” was the basically opposite of “ceorl” meaning “common man, freeman, but one without rank” (from the Germanic “karl”). An Earl was a member of the peerage and was so given an aristocratic title worthy of such a man. As a masculine given name Earl came into usage in the 19th century. Bestowing a lofty hereditary title on one’s son has become more popular in modern times (consider Duke, Marquis, Prince, King or even Messiah!). It could be said that Earl was the first of such names to convert into a given name.

All About the Baby Name – Earl

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME EARL

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME EARL

The name Earl rose to popularity in the United States in the 19th century. In fact, in the year 1880 (the first year we have available trend data), Earl was ranked at position #52 nationwide. The name even got as high as #20 in 1894. In other words, at one point in American history Earl was quite a fashionable name. It maintained Top 100 status on the charts all the way through the mid-20th century (1954). And that, my friends, was pretty much the beginning of the end for old Earl. The name dropped from usage slow and steady from there and then pretty much went into a freefall nosedive in the 1990s. In fact, 2006 is the last year Earl can claim Top 1000 status in America. It’s totally passé today. As we cross over into the 21st century, American parents are more apt to name their baby boys Marquis or Prince over Duke or Earl.

Quick Facts

ON EARL

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

URL

SIMPLE MEANING:

Chieftain, nobleman

Characteristics

OF EARL

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Earl

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME EARL

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Earl

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME EARL

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Earl


Popular Songs

ON EARL

Duke of Earl
a song by Gene Chandler

The Ballad of Earl Grey and Chamomile
a song by Dada

Goodbye Earl
a song by Dixie Chicks

Earl That's Yo' Life
a song by Otis and Shug E-40 [explicit]

Earl of Roseland
a song by Styx

Famous People

NAMED EARL

Earl Warren (former Chief Justice)
Earl Graves (African-American businessman)
Earl "Curly" Lambeau (founding coach of the Green Bay Packers)
Earl Averill (baseball player)
Earl Woods (father of Tiger Woods)
Earl Barron (basketball player)
Earl Monroe (basketball player)
Earl Battey (baseball player)
Earl Campbell (football player)
Earl Clark (basketball player)
Earl Scruggs (musician)
Earl Weaver (baseball manager)

Children of Famous People

NAMED EARL

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Earl

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME EARL

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Earl