Errol is a male given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "Eardhail," which means "strife" or "contention." The name Errol became popular in English-speaking countries during the 20th century, likely due to its use by notable individuals such as British actor Sir Laurence Olivier, who played the character of Romeo named Errol Flynn.
The origin and meaning of the name Errol have not been linked to any specific historical figures or events. However, some sources suggest that the name may have originated from an ancient Scottish clan or family with the surname Eardhail. Regardless of its exact origins, Errol has become a recognized given name in its own right.
In terms of history, there are no significant events or celebrations associated specifically with the name Errol. It is not one of the traditional Christian names, nor is it tied to any particular cultural festivals or holidays. Instead, individuals named Errol celebrate their birthdays and other personal milestones like anyone else with a unique given name.
Overall, Errol is an uncommon yet distinct male given name with Scottish roots, meaning "strife" or "contention," and popularized by notable figures such as actor Laurence Olivier. Although not tied to any specific historical events or celebrations, it has become an established name in its own right, often chosen for its unique sound and Scottish heritage.
The name Errol has been given to a total of 8598 babies born in the United States since 1896. While it initially started with low numbers of births per year, ranging from 5 to 20 between 1897 and 1929, the popularity of the name grew significantly in the following decades.
The peak in popularity for the name Errol occurred in the late 1930s and early 1940s, with a total of 246 births in 1940 alone. This high point was maintained until 1947, after which there was a steady decline in its usage as a baby name.
Between 1950 and 2000, the number of babies named Errol ranged between 30 and 55 births per year on average. However, starting from 2001 onwards, the popularity of the name began to decrease once again, with only 16 births recorded in 2020 and 8 births in 2022.
Despite this decline in recent years, it is still remarkable that the name Errol has been given to over 8500 babies born in the United States over the course of more than a century. This demonstrates its enduring appeal as a distinctive and memorable name choice for parents throughout various eras.