The meaning of EARNSHAW is topographic in nature probably early Anglo-Saxon in origin, composed of the Olde English personal name "Earn", eagle, and the Olde English "halh", a nook, or "sceaga", a wood. In some cases, denoting a dweller by the eagle-wood or nook, from the same derivation as above.

Topographical names were among the earliest created, as both man-made and natural features in the landscape provided easily recognisable distinguishing names in the small communities of the Middle Ages, while, as migration for the purpose of job-seeking was becoming more common, people often took their former village name as a means of identification. Notable name bearers include Laurence Earnshaw (died 1767), who invented a machine for spinning and reeling cotton simultaneously in 1753, which he destroyed under the impression that it would lessen the demand for labour; and Thomas Earnshaw (1749 - 1829), who was the first to bring watches within the means of private individuals. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Richard de Erneschaghe, which was dated 1316, in the "Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield", Yorkshire, during the reign of King Edward II, known as "Edward of Caernafon", 1307 - 1327. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

Some sources claim the name originates from “Earnshaw Bridge” a village in Lancashire, other sources refute this when you examine the early spellings of the village name.

The coat of arms often attributed to Earnshaw is NOT one of any hereditary significance according to the College of Arms. Whilst it probably did belong to some family, it can not be claimed by every “Earnshaw” in the same way a tartan is for Scottish Clans.

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