Ernest
Ernest is a name of German origin derived from the word 'ernst,' meaning 'serious,' 'resolute,' or 'vigorous.' It became popular in English-speaking countries during the Victorian era and carries a sense of sincerity and steadfastness.
Current Popularity
#1040 for boys
in the United States (2025)
Popularity over time
Good to Know
- •Easy to spell and pronounce in English
- •Strong literary associations, especially with Hemingway and Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest'
- •Has a charming vintage quality that's ripe for comeback
- •The nickname Ernie gives it a friendly, approachable feel
Similar Names
Famous People
Ernest Hemingway
Novelist and Nobel Prize laureate
Ernest Shackleton
Antarctic explorer
Ernest Borgnine
Academy Award-winning actor
Ernest Rutherford
Physicist and Nobel Prize winner
Statistics
302,499
Total births since 1880
1921
Peak year
Discovery
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