earl

Meanings

1. A British or Irish nobleman next in rank above a viscount and below a marquess; equivalent to a European count. A female using the style is termed a countess.
2. Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genus Tanaecia. Other butterflies in this genus are called counts and viscounts.

1. The title of an earl.

1. A male given name from English from the English noun earl.
2. A surname originating as an occupation for service in the household of an earl, or from a nickname.
3. A female given name.
4. A number of places in the United States:
5. An unincorporated community in Las Animas County, Colorado.
6. An unincorporated community in Callaway County, Missouri.
7. A town in Cleveland County, North Carolina.
8. An unincorporated community in Springbrook, Washburn County, Wisconsin.

Etymology

From Middle English erl, erle, from Old English eorl, from Proto-West Germanic *erl, from Proto-Germanic *erlaz (compare Old Saxon erl, Old Norse jarl), from Proto-Germanic *erōną, *arōną (compare Old Norse jara (“fight, battle”)). Doublet of eorl and jarl. Unrelated to ealdorman (“alderman”).

Translations