The name Early is an English given name derived from the Old English word "aerlic," which means "early" or "timely." This name likely originated in the Anglo-Saxon period, spanning from the 5th to the 11th century CE, when Old English was the primary language spoken in parts of what is now England and southern Scotland.

The name Early may have been initially used as a descriptive nickname for someone who was born or arrived early, or for someone who was known for their promptness or timeliness. It could also have been used as a name to express the desire for a child to be born at an auspicious or fortunate time.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Early was Early the Blessed, an Anglo-Saxon monk who lived in the 7th century CE. He is recorded as a disciple of St. Cuthbert and is venerated as a saint in some Christian traditions.

In the 12th century, Early de Lacy was a notable Anglo-Norman nobleman who served as Lord of Pontefract and was involved in the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda during the Anarchy period in England.

Another historical figure named Early was Early of Berkhamsted, a 13th-century English philosopher and scholar who studied at the University of Paris and wrote works on logic and metaphysics.

During the Renaissance period, Early Tudor was an English playwright and poet who lived in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He is known for his comedic plays and satirical works that criticized the excesses of the Church and nobility.

In the 18th century, Early Wollstonecraft was a British writer and philosopher who was a pioneering advocate for women's rights and is considered one of the foundational figures of modern feminism. She published influential works such as "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" in 1792.

While the name Early has not been as widely used as some other English names, it has a rich history that spans several centuries and has been borne by notable figures in various fields, including religion, literature, and philosophy.