Declining since 1985, #4,139 for boys today.
Popularity of Earnest since 1880
Babies named Earnest per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1926, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Earnest's real moment was 1909.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,043 |
| 1890s | 1,390 |
| 1900s | 1,907 |
| 1910s | 6,856 |
| 1920s | 10,869 |
| 1930s | 8,722 |
| 1940s | 8,706 |
| 1950s | 7,310 |
| 1960s | 4,515 |
| 1970s | 2,961 |
| 1980s | 1,995 |
| 1990s | 1,053 |
| 2000s | 559 |
| 2010s | 364 |
| 2020s | 139 |
Meaning & origin
Earnest is a classic virtue name that has seen a long decline in usage since its peak in 1909. In that peak year, it was far more common than today, but it has been falling in popularity since 1985, reflecting a broader shift away from old-fashioned virtue names. Currently, it ranks #4139, with only about 1 in 68,323 boys receiving the name. Despite its rareness, Earnest retains a sturdy, sincere appeal, and it is occasionally refreshed by its similarity to the more common spelling 'Ernest.' The name has no strong ties to any particular state, but its historical usage was spread across the United States.
Earnest is an English name taken directly from the Middle English word 'ernest,' meaning 'serious' or 'zealous.' It was used as a personal name by the Puritans in the 17th century, who favored virtue names that reflected moral qualities. Its popularity peaked in the early 1900s but has since declined, though it retains a classic, solid feel.
Where Earnest is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ernie
Variants: Ernest
Sibling names for Earnest
Names that share Earnest's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Edith, Florence, Mabel, Alice, Lillian, Gussie, Rubye, Amity, Delight, Juanice, Lovette, Pleasant, Truly, Worthy, Arnice, Cleaster, Hattye, Vernestine
Brothers: Arthur, Walter, Clarence, Harold, Albert, Freeman, Noble, Claudell, Clayborn, Clearance, Excell, Lawyer, Manly, Udell, Windle, Ethridge, Gentle, Trueman
