Meaning, origin, history
Earline is a unique and distinctive female given name of American origin. Its meaning and history are not as widely known as some other names, but it has a fascinating story nonetheless.
The name Earline is believed to have been created by the author and poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. Millay was a prominent figure in the early 20th century literary scene and won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1924. She wrote several notable works, including the play "Aria da Capo" and the collection of poems "The Ballad of the Clean Sweep".
According to some sources, Millay created the name Earline as a pet name for her sister Norma. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, and it remains a theory among Millay scholars.
Regardless of its origins, the name Earline has been used by several individuals throughout history. One notable example is Earline Hines-Pilgram, who became the first African American woman to be elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1987. This demonstrates that while Earline may not be a popular or well-known name, it has still made its mark on history.
In terms of meaning, there is no universally agreed-upon definition for the name Earline. Some sources suggest that it could mean "earl's child" or "noble child", referring to the Old English word "eorl" which means nobleman. However, this interpretation is not widely accepted and may simply be a coincidence.
Overall, Earline is an unusual and intriguing name with a mysterious history. While its origins and meaning remain somewhat unclear, there is no doubt that it has left its mark on history through the lives of those who have borne it.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Earline since 1880
Total births
16,524
Total since 1880
Peak year
1927
470 births
in 1995
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years