Early Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Early originates from Old English, meaning 'nobleman' or 'chief.' It evolved from 'Eorl' in Old English to 'Earl' in Middle English before becoming 'Early' in Modern English. The name is associated with nobility and has no biblical relevance. Although it is less common today, it carries historical significance.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Early"
Pronunciation
/ˈɜrli/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Early is derived from the Old English word 'eorl,' which means 'nobleman' or 'chief.' It originally referred to a title of nobility.
Meaning
nobleman, chief
Language Evolution
Eorl (Old English), Earl (Middle English), Early (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in England during the medieval period as a title of nobility, and it later became used as a personal name.
Variants & Derivatives
Earl, Earle
Modern Popularity & Image
The name Early is relatively uncommon today but is often associated with historical significance and nobility.
Famous People
Early Cuyler (fictional character from 'Squidbillies'), Early Wynn (baseball player)
📊 Early Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Early Name Visualizations
✨ Early Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 99 peak births in 1921
Geographic Spread
Popular across 11 US states, with strongest presence in Alabama
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Early" - Complete Guide (4 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Early". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 4 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Early" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Early"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Early"
"Early" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 670th of 7545 | 1,442 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 877th of 6773 | 959 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1238th of 7552 | 727 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2524th of 10718 | 240 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5393rd of 16616 | 128 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 13195th of 24088 | 45 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 12998th of 23106 | 41 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 3358th of 9107 | 132 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3471st of 9204 | 126 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 5390th of 12526 | 98 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 28476th of 30306 | 6 |
Regional Popularity of "Early" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
18.17% 430th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
24.99% 588th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
31.06% 886th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
57.82% 2034th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Early" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
100.00% 2853rd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Early"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Early" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Early" in the United States
The name Early is most popular in Alabama, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Early has been stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South. Across generations, 'Early' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 670th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 877th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1238th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2524th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5393rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 13195th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 12998th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3358th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3471st out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5390th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 28476th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Early' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.