Earle

Earle is both a surname and a given name of English origin. It derives from the Old English word eorl, a title of nobility, and the spelling Earle represents a later orthographic variant of Earl used in English-speaking regions. As a surname, Earle may have originated as a nickname for someone associated with an earl, or as a toponymic or occupational name that became inherited over generations.

Notable people with the surname include Steve Earle (born 1955), an American singer-songwriter and actor. Earle Cabell (1907–1971) was an American businessman and politician who served as mayor of Dallas, Texas. Other individuals bearing the name have contributed in various fields such as politics, arts, and academia.

Geographic and institutional uses of the name include Earle, Arkansas, a city in Cross County, United States. Naval Weapons Station Earle is a United States Navy installation located in New Jersey. The name Earle also appears in the naming of other places and organizations, reflecting its common use as a family surname and its historical association with the English title.

Variations of the name include Earl and Earles, which share the same etymology. Earle can function as both a surname and a given name, and it appears in literature, media, and contemporary naming traditions.