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I am interested in knowing more about the Old World origins of the Early family. I teach Medieval History and I have often wondered if there was a connection between the "Early" surname and Jean d'Erly (d. circa 1220), reputedly the best friend and loyal vassal of Sir William Marshall. William Marshall has often been called one of the greatest and most chivalrous Knights who ever lived. Jean d'Erly is mentioned several times in the biography of William Marshall. Unfortunately, William's biography was written during the early 13th century in Medieval French and has never been translated. However, a modern critique of the book is printed in English and does list Sir Jean d'Erly or John of Erly as William Marshall's best friend. If anyone has any thoughts or insights on this as a possible origin of the Early family name, I would be very interested to hear from you.
It also just occurs to me, that many Anglo-Norman knights (perhaps Jean d'Erly included) were bequeathed land in Ireland for service done on behalf of King Henry II of England (d. 1189) and his sons, Richard the Lionheart and John. Perhaps, this could explain the Irish connection to the Early family name?
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