Earlwood was formerly known as Forest Hill, and in 1905-06 the name was changed to Parkstown. Finally in 1918, this farming area became known as Earlwood in recognition of three people; the Earl coming from a former mayor of nearby Canterbury, and the Wood deriving from the two Wood brothers who had established a pig farm and a poultry dwelling on Wolli Creek.

Other early settlers in the district included Joshua Thorpe, whose Thorpe Farm covered 80 acres; F and A Martin who had land in the eastern area of the suburb; and prosperous land owner Abraham Polack whose estate totalled 790 acres. Subdivision of the land commenced in the 1880s, and after WWI a series of servicemens' homes were constructed for returning veterans and their families. The streets in this area were named after battles and famous men connected with war, such as Hamilton, Kitchener and Fricourt. Famous Australian historical figures were honoured with streetnames in other parts of the town.

By the 1920s Earlwood had blossomed into a residential suburb, well serviced by trams and trains from Bankstown. Today buses transport visitors and locals to and from this town.

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