The name Doyle has its origins in the Irish language, deriving from the Gaelic word "dóighiúil," which means "dark-featured" or "swarthy." This name likely emerged during the early medieval period in Ireland, when it was common to give descriptive names based on physical characteristics.

In ancient Irish texts, such as the Annals of Ulster and the Annals of the Four Masters, there are records of individuals bearing the name Doyle or variations like Ó Dóighiúil. These early records date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, indicating the longstanding use of this name in Irish culture.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Doyle was Donnchadh Ó Dóighiúil, an Irish chieftain who lived in the 13th century. He was a prominent figure in the territory of Leix, now part of County Laois, Ireland.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the first name Doyle. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930), the renowned Scottish author and creator of the Sherlock Holmes series, is perhaps the most famous bearer of this name. His works have had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture.

Another well-known individual was Sir Arthur William Doyle (1837-1922), a British civil engineer and surveyor who contributed significantly to the development of infrastructure in India during the British Raj.

In the field of sports, Doyle Brunson (born 1933) is a legendary American poker player and two-time World Series of Poker Main Event champion, known for his influential book "Super/System" on poker strategy.

Doyle Alexander (born 1950) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for several teams, including the Baltimore Orioles and the Detroit Tigers.

Doyle Wham (1941-2022) was an American computer scientist and entrepreneur who co-founded the computer hardware company Commodore International and played a pivotal role in the early personal computer revolution.

While the name Doyle has Irish roots, it has since been adopted and used in various cultures around the world, with individuals from diverse backgrounds bearing this name throughout history.