Earl m
English (mainly U.S.): from the English aristocratic title, originally a nickname parallel to DUKE (SEE Duke), KING (SEE King), etc. The title was first used in England in the 12th century, as an equivalent to the French comte count; it is from Old English eorl warrior, nobleman, prince. In some cases the given name may have been taken from the surname Earl, which was given originally to someone who worked in the household of an earl.
Variants: Earle, Erle.
First names dictionary. 2012.