Earle is an uncommon English given name of Norman origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word "jarl", which means "earl" or "nobleman". The name was introduced into England by the Normans after their conquest in 1066, and it was initially used as a title of nobility rather than a personal name.
The name Earle has been historically associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Ethelred II, also known as Ethelred the Unready, who ruled England from 978 to 1013. The name was also borne by several members of the powerful Earl family, which held significant lands and titles in medieval England.
Over time, the name Earle has evolved and taken on various spellings, including Earld, Eardley, and Erle. Despite its historical significance, the name remains relatively uncommon today, with fewer than 100 people sharing the name Earle as a first name in the United States according to the Social Security Administration's records.
In summary, Earle is an English given name of Norman origin that means "earl" or "nobleman". It has been historically associated with several notable figures throughout history and has evolved over time into various spellings. Today, it remains a uncommon but unique choice for a personal name.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Earle has had a fluctuating popularity over the past century and a half in the United States.
In the late 19th century, between 1880 and 1900, the number of births with the name Earle varied from a low of 25 in 1880 to a high of 54 in 1893. The average number of births per year during this period was approximately 40.
The early 20th century saw a significant increase in the popularity of the name Earle, with the number of births reaching a peak of 350 in 1918. This trend continued until the late 1920s, when the number of births began to decline gradually.
From the 1930s onwards, the popularity of the name Earle decreased significantly. Between 1930 and 1960, the average number of births per year was around 50, with a low of 29 in 1976 and a high of 68 in 1960.
In recent decades, the name Earle has become increasingly rare. Between 1990 and 2014, there were an average of only 8 births per year with this name. The lowest recorded figure was just 5 births in 2005.
Overall, while the name Earle was once quite popular in the United States, it has become much less common in recent years. Despite this decline, it remains a unique and distinctive name with a rich history.