Earl vs. Count: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 12, 2023
"Earl" is a British noble title, equivalent to the European title "Count," which denotes a rank of nobility or aristocracy.
Key Differences
The title Earl is rooted in British history and refers to a member of the British nobility. This title is below that of a marquis but above a viscount. In contrast, Count is the equivalent title in many European countries, signifying a similar rank in the hierarchical structure of nobility.
While the word Earl has origins in Old English, derived from the term "eorl" meaning chief or nobleman, Count originates from the Latin "comes," meaning companion. The title of Count was historically given to trusted officials in the Roman Empire, signifying their closeness to the emperor.
Both Earl and Count hold territorial implications. An Earl usually oversees an area known as a shire or county in Britain. Similarly, a Count would have authority over a county or a similar territorial division in Europe, emphasizing their administrative and often judicial roles.
The wife of an Earl is known as a "Countess" in Britain, which is interestingly the same term used for the wife of a Count in Europe. This shared terminology signifies the closeness of these two ranks in the broader spectrum of aristocracy.
In contemporary use, while the role and powers of an Earl or a Count have diminished and become more ceremonial, these titles still signify a certain social status and respect in both Britain and Europe. Their enduring relevance is a testament to the lasting legacy of the feudal system and its influence on societal structures.
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Comparison Chart
Origins
British
European (continental)
Derived From
Old English "eorl" (chief or nobleman)
Latin "comes" (companion)
Territorial Role
Oversees a shire or county in Britain
Authority over a county in Europe
Female Counterpart
Countess
Countess
Modern Relevance
Ceremonial and denotes social status
Ceremonial and denotes social status
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Earl and Count Definitions
Earl
A British nobleman ranking above a viscount and below a marquis
The Earl of Derby is a notable title in England.
Count
A man who possesses a continental European countship
The Count was known for his vast estates and vineyards.
Earl
A title awarded for various services in Britain
He was made an Earl for his contributions to the arts.
Count
A title used in various European countries with varying degrees of power
In some countries, the title of Count still holds significant influence.
Earl
The overseer of a shire or county in historical British terms
The Earl was responsible for maintaining peace in his shire.
Count
To name or list (the units of a group or collection) one by one in order to determine a total; number.
Earl
A term originating from Old English referring to a chief or noble
Historically, the term earl was akin to a tribal leader.
Count
To recite numerals in ascending order up to and including
Count three before firing.
Earl
A British nobleman next in rank above a viscount and below a marquis, corresponding to a count in continental Europe.
Count
To include in a reckoning; take account of
Ten dogs, counting the puppies.
Earl
Used as a title for such a nobleman.
Count
To include by or as if by counting
Count me in.
Earl
(entomology) Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genus Tanaecia. Other butterflies in this genus are called counts and viscounts.
Count
To exclude by or as if by counting
Count me out.
Earl
A nobleman of England ranking below a marquis, and above a viscount. The rank of an earl corresponds to that of a count (comte) in France, and graf in Germany. Hence the wife of an earl is still called countess. See Count.
Count
To believe or consider to be; deem
Count yourself lucky.
Earl
The needlefish.
Count
To recite or list numbers in order or enumerate items by units or groups
Counted by tens.
Earl
A British peer ranking below a Marquess and above a Viscount
Count
To have importance
You really count with me.
Earl
The male holder of an earldom
The young Earl inherited his title upon his father's demise.
Count
To have a specified importance or value
Their opinions count for little. Each basket counts for two points.
Count
(Music) To keep time by counting beats.
Count
The act of counting or calculating.
Count
A number reached by counting.
Count
The totality of specific items in a particular sample
A white blood cell count.
Count
(Law) Any of the separate and distinct charges or causes of action in an indictment or complaint.
Count
(Sports) The counting from one to ten seconds, during which time a boxer who has been knocked down must rise or be declared the loser.
Count
(Baseball) The number of balls and strikes that an umpire has called against a batter.
Count
A nobleman in some European countries.
Count
Used as a title for such a nobleman.
Count
(intransitive) To recite numbers in sequence.
Count
(transitive) To determine the number of (objects in a group).
Count the number of apples in the bag and write down the number on the spreadsheet.
Count
(intransitive) To amount to, to number in total.
Count
(intransitive) To be of significance; to matter.
Your views don’t count here.
It does count if you cheat with someone when you’re drunk.
Count
(intransitive) To be an example of something: often followed by as and an indefinite noun.
Apples count as a type of fruit.
Count
(transitive) To consider something as an example of something or as having some quality; to account, to regard as.
He counts himself a hero after saving the cat from the river.
I count you as more than a friend.
Count
(transitive) To reckon in, to include in consideration.
They walked for three days, not counting the time spent resting.
Count
To take account or note (of), to care (for).
Count
To recount, to tell.
Count
To plead orally; to argue a matter in court; to recite a count.
Count
The act of counting or tallying a quantity.
Give the chairs a quick count to check if we have enough.
Count
The result of a tally that reveals the number of items in a set; a quantity counted.
Count
A countdown.
Count
(legal) A charge of misconduct brought in a legal proceeding.
Count
(baseball) The number of balls and strikes, respectively, on a batter's in-progress plate appearance.
He has a 3–2 count with the bases loaded.
Count
(obsolete) An object of interest or account; value; estimation.
Count
The male ruler of a county.
Count
A nobleman holding a rank intermediate between dukes and barons.
Count
(entomology) Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genus Tanaecia. Other butterflies in this genus are called earls and viscounts.
Count
Countable.
Count
To tell or name one by one, or by groups, for the purpose of ascertaining the whole number of units in a collection; to number; to enumerate; to compute; to reckon.
Who can count the dust of Jacob?
In a journey of forty miles, Avaux counted only three miserable cabins.
Count
To place to an account; to ascribe or impute; to consider or esteem as belonging.
Abracham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Count
To esteem; to account; to reckon; to think, judge, or consider.
I count myself in nothing else so happyAs in a soul remembering my good friends.
Count
To number or be counted; to possess value or carry weight; hence, to increase or add to the strength or influence of some party or interest; as, every vote counts; accidents count for nothing.
This excellent man . . . counted among the best and wisest of English statesmen.
Count
To reckon; to rely; to depend; - with on or upon.
He was brewer to the palace; and it was apprehended that the government counted on his voice.
I think it a great error to count upon the genius of a nation as a standing argument in all ages.
Count
To take account or note; - with
Count
To plead orally; to argue a matter in court; to recite a count.
Count
The act of numbering; reckoning; also, the number ascertained by counting.
Of blessed saints for to increase the count.
By this count, I shall be much in years.
Count
An object of interest or account; value; estimation.
Count
A formal statement of the plaintiff's case in court; in a more technical and correct sense, a particular allegation or charge in a declaration or indictment, separately setting forth the cause of action or prosecution.
Count
A nobleman on the continent of Europe, equal in rank to an English earl.
Count
The total number counted;
A blood count
Count
The act of counting;
The counting continued for several hours
Count
A nobleman (in various countries) having rank equal to a British earl
Count
Determine the number or amount of;
Can you count the books on your shelf?
Count your change
Count
Have weight; have import, carry weight;
It does not matter much
Count
Show consideration for; take into account;
You must consider her age
The judge considered the offender's youth and was lenient
Count
Name or recite the numbers;
The toddler could count to 100
Count
Put into a group;
The academy counts several Nobel Prize winners among its members
Count
Include as if by counting;
I can count my colleagues in the opposition
Count
Have faith or confidence in;
You can count on me to help you any time
Look to your friends for support
You can bet on that!
Depend on your family in times of crisis
Count
Take account of;
You have to reckon with our opponents
Count on the monsoon
Count
A European title of nobility, equivalent to a British Earl
The Count of Monte Cristo is a famous literary character.
Count
A person who has authority over a territorial region in Europe
The Count managed the affairs of his county diligently.
Count
A title historically given to trusted officials in the Roman Empire
As a Count, he was a companion to the emperor.
FAQs
What's above an Earl in rank?
A marquis is above an Earl in the British system.
Where does the title Earl come from?
It derives from Old English "eorl," meaning chief or nobleman.
Are Earl and Count the same rank?
Yes, Earl in Britain is equivalent to Count in many European countries.
Are there famous fictional Counts in literature?
Yes, one example is the Count of Monte Cristo.
How did one historically become a Count?
Titles were often granted by monarchs for service, loyalty, or other contributions.
Is a Count's role the same across all European countries?
The title exists in many countries, but its significance and role can vary.
Do Earls and Counts still hold political power?
Mostly, their roles are ceremonial today, but they can have influence due to their status.
What's the female title for Count?
The female title is Countess, both for Count and Earl.
Can someone become an Earl or is it only hereditary?
While many titles are hereditary, some can be bestowed for notable services.
Was the title Count always ceremonial?
Historically, Counts had authority over counties and played significant administrative roles.
How does one address an Earl?
Typically, they're addressed as "Lord [Surname]" or "Earl of [Place]."
Can Earls and Counts be wealthy today?
Yes, many still possess vast estates, land, or other wealth.
Is an Earl's jurisdiction always called a shire?
No, it can also be a county or other territorial divisions.
Are all Counts of noble blood?
Most are, but historically, some were appointed for services to the crown or empire.
Do Earls and Counts have coats of arms?
Yes, many have historically recognized coats of arms.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
