Find out how popular the first name Earline has been for the last 22 years (from 1974 to 1995) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Earline by gender

Based on the last 22 years of data, Earline is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1995, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Earline.

The history of the first name Earline

The name Earline is an English feminine given name derived from the Old English word "ēar," meaning "ear," and the suffix "-line," which is a diminutive form. It is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages, around the 12th or 13th century, in England.

While the name's exact origins are not well-documented, it is speculated that it may have been used as a nickname or a descriptive name for a person with distinctive ears or hearing abilities. Some sources suggest that it could also be related to the Old English word "ēarlian," meaning "to plough," and may have been used to refer to someone working in agriculture.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Earline can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of landholdings and tax assessments in England, completed in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. The name appears in this document, though the specific context is unclear.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Earline. One of the earliest known was Earline de Montfort (c. 1200-1265), a medieval English noblewoman and the daughter of Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester. She played a role in the Barons' War against King Henry III in the 13th century.

Another notable Earline was Earline White (1876-1963), an American educator and civil rights activist from Mississippi. She was a pioneer in advocating for equal educational opportunities for African American children and worked tirelessly to improve the quality of education in her community.

In the world of literature, Earline Harris (1914-2001) was an American author and journalist known for her works depicting the lives of African Americans in the rural South. Her novel "The Bricks of Obediah" (1956) was well-received and earned her critical acclaim.

The name Earline also gained some prominence in the field of music. Earline Reid (1927-2011) was an American jazz singer and actress who performed with notable musicians like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. She was also known for her role in the 1957 film "A Face in the Crowd."

Lastly, Earline Renee Reid (born 1958) is an American former professional basketball player who played in the Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL) and the Women's American Basketball Association (WABA) in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

While not an exhaustive list, these examples highlight the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of individuals who have carried the name Earline throughout history, spanning various fields and time periods.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Earline was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Earline, please contact us.

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