"earl, nobleman"
Origin: English
Language: English
Errol
Pronunciation: [ EHR-uhl ]
Does Errol flow with your last name?
A dashing classic with a swashbuckling Hollywood legacy
English
Scottish
Caribbean
American
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Strong
Classic
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"from Erroll, Scotland"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: English
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The Story of Errol
Errol is an English name derived from the title Earl, an Anglo-Saxon rank of nobility. It may also derive from Erroll, a place in Perthshire, Scotland, home of the Earls of Erroll. The place name itself comes from the old Gaelic meaning possibly connected to boundary or lowlands by the river. Errol gained widespread use as a given name in the 19th century.
Errol was popularized significantly by the swashbuckling Australian-born Hollywood actor Errol Flynn (1909-1959), one of the great romantic action heroes of classic cinema. His fame from films like The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) made the name fashionable in English-speaking countries through the mid-20th century. It remains popular in Caribbean communities.
Errol has particular resonance in Caribbean culture, especially in Jamaica and Trinidad, where it has remained a classic masculine name. Errol Flynn's cinematic persona of the dashing adventurer gave the name an air of swashbuckling romance that persists in popular memory.
Historical Record
Errol first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 5,809 babies have been named Errol in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Errol is past its peak , currently ranked #6,143 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Errol Flynn's phrase in like Flynn (meaning easy success or romantic conquest) entered the English language based on his flamboyant reputation
- Errol Garner, the jazz pianist who composed Misty, is one of the most famous musical Errols
Errol in Other Languages
French
Errol
German
Errol
English
Errol
Italian
Errol
Spanish
Errol
Popularity Over Time
#6,143
Current Rank
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Errol
E
Errol Morris
Other
1948
American documentary filmmaker known for The Thin Blue Line and The Fog of War
E
Errol Garner
Musician
1921
American jazz pianist and composer of the standard Misty
E
Errol Flynn
Actor
1909
Australian-born Hollywood legend, the quintessential swashbuckling hero of classic cinema
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Compare Errol with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,143
- Total SSA Count
- 15
- Cultural Origins
- English Scottish Caribbean American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Roly
Rol
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Errol
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Persian origin
"treasurer, keeper of treasure"
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Greek origin
"man of Attica, from Athens"
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Old English origin
"Brock's settlement (place name origin)"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Errol
What does the name Errol mean?
"earl, nobleman" (from English). "from Erroll, Scotland" (from Scottish Gaelic). Errol is an English name derived from the title Earl, an Anglo-Saxon rank of nobility. It may also derive from Erroll, a place in Perthshire, Scotland, home of the Earls of Erroll. The place name itself comes from the old Gaelic meaning possibly connected to boundary or lowlands by the river. Errol gained widespread use as a given name in the 19th century.
What is the origin of the name Errol?
Errol has English, Scottish Gaelic, Scottish, Caribbean, and American origins. In English, it means "earl, nobleman". In Scottish Gaelic, it means "from Erroll, Scotland".
Is Errol a boy or girl name?
Errol is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Errol?
Errol is pronounced EHR-uhl.
How popular is the name Errol?
Errol is currently ranked #6143 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Errol?
Common nicknames for Errol include Roly and Rol.
What are good middle names for Errol?
Popular middle name pairings include Errol James, Errol John, Errol Wayne, Errol Vincent, Errol Thomas, Errol Arthur, and Errol Louis.
What are good sibling names for Errol?
Names that pair well with Errol as siblings include Vera, Hector, Mildred, Sylvester, Mabel, Eugene, and Hazel.
How many syllables does Errol have?
Errol has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Errol a common or rare name?
Errol is an uncommon name, ranked #6143 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Errol
Errol is a boy name with English, Scottish, Caribbean, and American origins . The name means "earl, nobleman" in English .
Errol is currently ranked #6,143 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Errol has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHR-uhl, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Errol include Roly and Rol. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis