 The name is atypical for Germanic names as it is not composed of two elements, but simply a noun meaning "(free) man".This meaning of "ceorl" contrasts with "eorl" (Old Norse "jarl") "nobleman" on one hand and with "þeow" (Old Norse "þræll") "bondsman, slave" on the other.As such it would not seem a likely candidate for the name of a Germanic king, but it is attested as such with Cearl of Mercia (fl.