Holding steady.
Popularity of Earnestine since 1889
Babies named Earnestine per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 36 |
| 1900s | 145 |
| 1910s | 833 |
| 1920s | 2,696 |
| 1930s | 3,448 |
| 1940s | 4,380 |
| 1950s | 3,066 |
| 1960s | 1,017 |
| 1970s | 265 |
| 1980s | 140 |
| 1990s | 35 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Earnestine is a vintage feminine name that saw its highest usage in the 1940s, peaking in 1940 when it reached rank 256. Despite its peak popularity over 80 years ago, the name has remained in steady but sparse use, reflecting a stable trajectory without recent revival. Its first recorded use in U.S. Social Security data dates to 1889, placing it among the older feminine elaborations of Ernest. The name is most commonly associated with the English-speaking world, particularly the United States, though it was never widespread enough to register as a top state favorite.
Earnestine is a feminine elaboration of Ernest, which derives from the Old Germanic word 'eornost', meaning 'seriousness' or 'battle to the death'. The name Ernest was introduced to England by the German House of Hanover in the 18th century, and its feminine forms like Ernestine and Earnestine became common in the 19th century, especially in the United States. The spelling with 'ea' reflects an Anglicized variant that saw modest use in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Where Earnestine is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls 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, Erna, Tina, Earnie
Sibling names for Earnestine
Names that share Earnestine's style, for a brother or sister.
