The name Errol has its roots in the medieval Scottish Gaelic language. It is derived from the Gaelic word "airell," which means "wanderer" or "stranger." This name gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Scotland and parts of northern England.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Errol can be found in the Scottish Ragman Rolls, a historical record of homages sworn to King Edward I of England in the late 13th century. The name is listed as "Errol de Ardrossan," referring to a landowner from the Ayrshire region of Scotland.

Errol was also the name of a prominent Scottish noble family, the Earls of Errol, who traced their lineage back to the 12th century. The family held significant influence and lands in the northeastern part of Scotland, particularly in the county of Aberdeenshire.

In literature, the name Errol appears in the Middle English romance "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," written in the late 14th century. In this famous Arthurian tale, Errol is mentioned as one of King Arthur's knights.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Errol was Errol Plantagenet (1346-1400), a member of the royal House of Plantagenet and a grandson of King Edward III of England. He was known for his military service during the Hundred Years' War.

Another historical figure with the name Errol was Errol Douglas (1880-1918), a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration awarded for valor in the British armed forces. He was honored for his bravery during World War I.

In the 20th century, the name Errol gained widespread recognition due to the American actor Errol Flynn (1909-1959). Flynn was a celebrated Hollywood star known for his swashbuckling roles in films such as "Captain Blood" and "The Adventures of Robin Hood."

Other notable individuals named Errol include Errol Garner (1923-1977), an influential American jazz pianist and composer, and Errol Brown (1943-2015), the lead singer of the English soul band Hot Chocolate, known for hits like "You Sexy Thing."