Earl
Earl is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Nobleman, prince, chieftain, or warrior.
Origin and history
Earl is a classic English name derived from an aristocratic title meaning nobleman, chieftain, or warrior. It was widely popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, consistently ranking among the top names. While its usage has declined significantly in recent decades, it remains a traditional, recognizable classic.
Popularity in the United States
289,174 babies in the United States have been named Earl since 1880. It ranks #128 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1491.
States where it is most popular
- PA (7.6 %)
- OH (5.6 %)
- IL (5.3 %)
- NY (4.5 %)
- TX (4.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 4,830 |
| 1890-1900 | 8,297 |
| 1900-1910 | 9,251 |
| 1910-1920 | 40,273 |
| 1920-1930 | 63,602 |
| 1930-1940 | 44,613 |
| 1940-1950 | 39,128 |
| 1950-1960 | 32,653 |
| 1960-1970 | 20,369 |
| 1970-1980 | 11,404 |
| 1980-1990 | 7,397 |
| 1990-2000 | 3,908 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,906 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,104 |
| 2020-2029 | 439 |
Famous people named Earl
- Earl Warren: Chief Justice, Governor
- Earl Campbell: Football Player
- Earl Hines: Musician, Pianist
Fun facts
- The name derives from the Old English word 'eorl', which designated a man of noble rank or a chief.
- Earl was a top 50 boys' name in the United States throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s.