Surname Hearl - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Hearl: What does the surname Hearl mean?
The surname Hearl is of Old English origin and is derived from the personal name Hereweald or Herwald. The personal name comes from the elements "here", meaning army, and "weald", meaning ruler or power. Therefore, Hearl may be interpreted as "ruler or power of the army". As surnames became hereditary, they were passed down from one generation to the next, often being altered slightly over time. It is worth noting that last names can hold different meanings in different cultures, and Hearl might have different interpretations outside of its Old English origin. Surnames were often given based on an individual’s occupation, geographical location, or even physical characteristics, thus determining the exact origin and meaning of an ancient surname like Hearl can be challenging.
Order DNA origin analysisHearl: Where does the name Hearl come from?
The surname Hearl is of British origin, particularly from the regions of England, Scotland, and Wales. The name is believed to have evolved from ancient personal names, Errard, or Hierald. Hearl has derivative forms like Harold, Harrell, and Harrall. Being a patronymic surname, it was used to identify "the son of Harold," a popular medieval given male name.
In some cases, the Hearl surname might also derive from the Old English term "hoare," which means 'gray-haired' or 'elder' and used as a nickname for someone of that description. Another theory suggests it to have topographic roots, pertaining to a person living close to a hill, from the old English word 'hara,' means hare or from the Harewell place in Worcestershire.
Today, this surname is common in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, England, and Canada. It can also be found, although infrequently, in Australia and New Zealand. However, it is not very common, so populations with this last name are relatively small.
Variations of the surname Hearl
The surname Hearl might have several variants and spelling forms. Similar names might include Herl, Harl, Hurl, and Hirl. Some other related forms could be Heal, Healy, Hale, and Hall.
In terms of surname origin, it is generally agreed upon that the Hearl surname has most likely English origins, specifically from the Old English term "hyrne", meaning corner or bend – usually referring to someone who lived near a bend or corner in a road or river.
Other connected surnames or those with the same origin might include Hearle, Hearn, Hearne, and Herne. Spellings of this surname can change over centuries with its phonetic nature and different dialects. Given the popular nature of starting surnames with a silent ‘H’, different branches of the family might spell their surname as Earl or Earle.
There might also be other non-English variants or spellings of the surname linked to Hearl, influenced by the language and linguistic factors of those regions. Describing exact variations can be complex given the flexibility in surnames spellings across cultures and eras.
Famous people with the name Hearl
- While the last name Hearl may not be as common as Smith or Jones, there are individuals with that surname who have made a name for themselves.
- Paul Hearl: He is an American businessman known for founding the fast-casual restaurant chain Potbelly Sandwich Shop. His initial working experience was as an antique store owner, but he later expanded the business to include sandwiches. This transformation happened in the 1970s and the eatery has grown into a large-scale operation with hundreds of locations.
- Trevor Hearl: He was a British historian specializing in the geography and history of the Atlantic Ocean island of St. Helena. His extensive scholarly works on the island's history are held in high regard. He passed away in 2010.
- Levi Hearl: A musician and singer who has released music on online platforms. His style leans toward country and folk genres. It's important to note that the presence or lack of "fame" can be subjective, and may depend on one's areas of interest or knowledge.