Earleen is a unique and distinctive female given name of American origin. It is derived from the English surname Earley, which is believed to have originated from an Old English word meaning "eagle". The name Earley was originally used as a nickname for someone with a prominent or distinguished appearance, much like the bird it was named after.
The use of Earleen as a given name is relatively recent, having only gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. Despite its rarity, the name has been steadily growing in usage over time and can now be found on birth records across the country.
One notable bearer of the name Earleen was American actress Earleen Carey, who was born on August 13, 1946. Carey is best known for her role as a regular cast member on the popular sketch comedy show "Laugh-In," which aired on NBC from 1968 to 1973.
In terms of its meaning and significance, Earleen carries with it the same connotations as its surname counterpart Earley. It evokes images of strength, courage, and nobility, qualities often associated with birds of prey like the eagle. The name also has a certain air of uniqueness and individuality, making it stand out among more common female names.
Overall, Earleen is a compelling choice for parents looking to give their daughter a distinctive and meaningful name with an American heritage. Its origins in Old English, association with nobility and strength, and recent but steady growth in popularity make it a captivating option for those seeking something truly unique.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Earleen experienced a significant period of popularity between 1911 and 1967 in the United States, with varying numbers of births each year.
The name first appeared in the records in 1911 with 5 births. It then saw a steady increase over the next few years, reaching a peak in 1927 with 53 births, indicating that it was quite popular during this time period.
However, after 1927, the popularity of the name began to decline gradually. Between 1934 and 1960, the number of births for each year ranged between 14 and 28, showing a more moderate level of popularity for the name.
Interestingly, there was another small peak in the mid-1960s with 19 births recorded in 1964. However, after that point, the popularity of the name dropped off significantly, with only single-digit numbers of births recorded each year until it reached a low of 5 births in both 1972 and 1975.
In total, over the entire period from 1911 to 1981, there were 1481 births registered for the name Earleen in the United States. This shows that while it was once a popular choice for parents, its popularity has since waned significantly.