Earldine is a unique and distinctive name of American origin. It is believed to have been created by author Zora Neale Hurston for her character Janie Crawford in her seminal novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," published in 1937.
The exact meaning of Earldine is not well-documented, as it appears to be a fictional name created specifically for the character. However, some sources suggest that it might be derived from the Old English elements 'eorl,' meaning 'nobleman' or 'warrior,' and '-ing,' a suffix that denotes association with something.
The name Earldine is not particularly common, which adds to its uniqueness. It has been used primarily in the United States, where Hurston's novel had a significant impact on African American literature and culture.
In popular culture, the name Earldine is most closely associated with Janie Crawford, the protagonist of "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Janie's journey towards self-discovery and independence resonated strongly with readers, making her one of the most iconic characters in African American literature.
Overall, Earldine is a rare and distinctive name with an interesting literary history. While its meaning may not be clear-cut, its association with Zora Neale Hurston's seminal work adds to its cultural significance.
The statistics provided show the annual births of babies named Earldine in the United States from 1920 to 1949. During this period, there was a total of 58 babies born with this name.
In the early years recorded, there were fewer than ten births each year: five babies were named Earldine in 1920 and six in both 1925 and 1927. However, there was an increase in popularity for this name during the mid-1920s to late 1920s, with eight babies being named Earldine in both 1926 and 1928.
The peak of popularity for the name Earldine occurred in 1929, with seven births that year. However, this was short-lived as the number of births declined again in subsequent years: six babies were named Earldine in both 1934 and 1940, and once more in 1949.
Overall, while the name Earldine did see some variation in popularity over these decades, it remained relatively uncommon throughout this period.