What is the origin of the last name Earle?

The surname Earle is of Old English origin and derives from various sources. One possible origin is from the Old English 'eorl,' meaning nobleman or earl, a title of nobility. Another origin could be from the Middle English 'ere' meaning wild boar, a name borne by Norman landholders. It's also worth noting that the surname Earle is a variant of Earl, which is more common in American English. The use of names and titles as surnames was a common practice during feudal times in Europe.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Earle

The meaning and origin of the last name Earle

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Geographical distribution of the last name Earle

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Variants and spellings of the last name Earle

The surname Earle can be found with several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional dialects over time. Some of these versions include Earl, Erle, Erling, Airlie, Airley, Ehler, and Ehling. These alterations may have arisen from the Norman-French "Earl" which was anglicized into Old English as "Eorl," meaning noble or eagle. Over the centuries, various phonetic changes and regional dialects contributed to the formation of these alternate spellings. Despite these variations, all these surnames share a common origin and have similar meanings.

Famous people with the last name Earle

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Genealogical research on the last name Earle

The surname Earle is primarily of Old English origin, derived from various places named Earl's town or eagle stream. It was a name given to people who lived in or near these places. The name's earliest recorded appearance is in the Anglo-Saxon Wills, a collection of 9th and 10th-century documents, where it appears as various forms such as Earle and Ere. During the Middle Ages, the surname was predominantly found in East Anglia, with notable bearers including Earl Godwin, Earl of Wessex and Earl Leofric, Earl of Mercia. The name spread to Scotland during the Norman Conquest when the Normans introduced the feudal system, and it became common in areas under Norman control. Today, Earle is a widespread surname in English-speaking countries, with notable modern bearers including American businessman James Earle Fraser and British politician Edwina Currie.

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NomOrigine Team
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NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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