As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

(origin: Gaelic.) An extensive shire on the western coast of Scotland. The name is derived from the Gaelic Earra Ghaidheal, that is, the country of the western Gael, or, according to Grant, the breeding-place of the Gael.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.


Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.