The name Hearl is of English origin and it means "eagle". It is not a common name but it has been used throughout history in England. The name Hearl was particularly popular during the Middle Ages when many people bore this name as a given name or a surname.
Hearl is believed to have been derived from an Old English word that meant "eagle". This name may have been used to express a desire for strength, courage, and freedom, qualities often associated with eagles. Alternatively, it could have been given as a name of praise for someone who was thought to possess these qualities.
Throughout history, there are several notable figures who bore the name Hearl. In medieval England, Hearl of Gloucester was a famous nobleman who served as sheriff of Gloucestershire in the late 12th century. There is also a record of a Hearl, Abbot of St Albans, who lived in the early 13th century.
Today, Hearl remains a rare name but it continues to be used occasionally in England and other English-speaking countries. While its meaning and history make it a strong and distinctive choice for a baby boy's name, its rarity means that it is unlikely to be shared by many others with the same name.
The name Hearl has been given to a total of 189 babies in the United States over the years. Although it's not one of the most popular names, it does have a unique charm and has been used consistently throughout the early to mid-20th century.
Looking at the annual statistics from 1914 to 1959, we can see that the name Hearl had its peak popularity in 1936 with 17 births. This is quite an impressive number considering the total count over the years. Before and after this year, the number of babies named Hearl varied from as few as 5 (in 1944) to as many as 12 (in 1931).
It's interesting to note that there was a gap of 20 years between the last recorded birth with the name Hearl in 1959 and the previous one in 1939. This suggests that the name may have fallen out of fashion for some time before experiencing a brief resurgence.
Overall, while not extremely common, the name Hearl has been used by parents who likely sought a distinctive and uncommon name for their child. Its usage throughout the years demonstrates a consistent, if somewhat fluctuating, level of popularity.