Re: Earl/Earle from IRELAND
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In reply to:
Earl/Earle from IRELAND
9/24/98
Dear Roy,
I can trace several "Daniel Earl"s in my family, but i'm not sure thery're on the mark-the one closest to your description was born in the late 1880's, and died a bachelor (I believe). In any case, I'd like to take you up on your offer for info on the family name "Earl"as well as Ireland.
From a course I did on the history of the English language, I am given to understand that the term "earl" (originally spelled
"earol") is a word used in Old English meaning "holder of land." As well, Somerset, England appears to be where the surname Earl/Earle fisrt appears.
Do you have any info on when Earls first came to Ireland, why, etc?
Any help would be very kind indeed,
Sean Earl
More Replies:
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Re: Earl/Earle from IRELAND
10/18/98