Summary

The surname Early is of English origin and dates back to the medieval times. It is derived from the Old English word 'eorlic', meaning early or soon. The name could have been given to someone who was an early riser or someone who accomplished tasks ahead of others. Early is a common surname in England, and it is also found in Ireland and Scotland.
There are
14014
Earlys in the USA
Early is the
2578th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Early

JuluEarly

Julu Early was an American politician who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan from 2007 to 2009.

SteveEarly

Steve Early is an American baseball player and coach who played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball.

BillEarly

Bill Early was an American football player who played as a defensive back for the Houston Oilers in the 1960s.

JessieEarly

Jessie Early is an American singer-songwriter known for her soulful vocals and introspective lyrics.

DaveEarly

Dave Early is an American artist known for his vibrant and abstract paintings.

SueEarly

Sue Early is a British actress who has appeared in various stage productions and television shows.

TonyEarly

Tony Early is an American author and poet known for his works exploring Appalachian culture and identity.

GraceEarly

Grace Early was an American photographer known for her beautiful portraits and landscape photographs.

JohnEarly

John Early is an American comedian and actor known for his roles in television shows like 'Search Party' and 'You're the Worst.'

KarenEarly

Karen Early is an American journalist and news anchor who has worked for several major news networks.

Early Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Early' is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English word 'eorlic,' which means 'belonging to the early period or morning.' It may have originated as a nickname for someone who was an early riser or had a cheerful disposition in the morning.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Early' is primarily found in the United States, particularly in the southern states such as Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. It is also present in smaller numbers in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Early' include 'Earley' and 'Erlegh'.
Migration and ImmigrationEarly immigrants from Ireland and the United Kingdom brought the surname 'Early' to the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. The name has since spread within the country through migration and natural population growth.