Declining since 1985, #1,038 for boys today.
Popularity of Ernest since 1880
Babies named Ernest per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ernest's real moment was 1895.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6,700 |
| 1890s | 7,877 |
| 1900s | 8,657 |
| 1910s | 37,134 |
| 1920s | 53,653 |
| 1930s | 39,346 |
| 1940s | 41,762 |
| 1950s | 39,680 |
| 1960s | 26,892 |
| 1970s | 16,756 |
| 1980s | 11,236 |
| 1990s | 6,054 |
| 2000s | 3,332 |
| 2010s | 2,211 |
| 2020s | 1,209 |
Meaning & origin
Ernest is a name with a strong, straightforward meaning rooted in Old English. It reached its peak popularity in 1895, ranking among the top names of that era. Since 1985, its usage has been on a declining trajectory, though it maintains a steady presence. In 2025, it ranked 1038th with approximately 1 in 8019 newborns receiving the name. Historically, it was especially common in states like Nebraska, Washington, and Utah during its heyday. The name carries a dignified, earnest quality that appeals to parents seeking a classic with substance.
Derived from the Old English word eornest, meaning 'serious' or 'determined'. It was occasionally used in medieval England but became more common in the 19th century, partly due to the influence of the German name Ernst. The name was popularized in literature through Oscar Wilde's play The Importance of Being Earnest (1895).
Where Ernest 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.
“Ernest” around the world
Where Ernest lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
200
babies in 2024
Quebec
12
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ernie
Variants: Ernst
Sibling names for Ernest
Names that share Ernest's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Alice, Clara, Mabel, Pearl, Edith, Bernice, Blanche, Dorothy, Edna, Gladys, Leola, Marjorie, Mavis, Muriel, Thelma, Verna, Adell, Berneice, Beryl, Blanch, Dorthy, Earnestine, Ernestine, Esta, Ethel, Flossie, Freda, Hettie, Leatha, Madge, Ottie, Winifred, Zella, Alease, Annis, Birtha, Buelah, Burnice, Chesley, Dorotha, Edra, Eldora, Erline, Estell, Ethelene, Florrie, Marline, Merna, Nonie, Ressie, Trudie, Veva, Averil, Birdia, Bonna, Bonnita, Claressa, Dicie, Earnesteen, Eather, Ellice, Ethelda, Etter, Evone, Florice, Geraline, Girtha, Herma, Joycie, Lulla, Merrily, Minnette, Morley, Parlee, Perlie, Ruther, Sydell, Aneita, Annise, Antha, Berline, Beverlie, Cressie, Edwena, Elery, Elice, Ernesta, Ernesteen, Ernestene, Ethelyne, Floella, Florance, Girtrude, Glorie, Hetty, Jeanet, Leita, Lutisha, Mardel, Maudry, Merdis, Merrit, Murial, Normalee, Philis, Shirely, Elvy, Ardine, Arwilda, Avenell, Avice, Burna, Challis, Clista, Earnestene, Earnstine, Eddith, Eldena, Elnita, Eltha, Erdine, Ertha, Eudell, Flornce, Gaytha, Glenyce, Glorya, Goldye, Gretna, Jenet, Juanette, Mercia, Merian, Milderd, Nelsie, Novice
Brothers: Walter, Arthur, Frank, Clarence, Henry, Bert, Cecil, Elmer, Eugene, Harold, Herbert, Howard, Leroy, Lester, Marvin, Maurice, Stanley, Vernon, Wayne, Wilfred, Algie, Bernie, Conrad, Edmon, Eldon, Ernie, Maynard, Olen, Sherman, Wilber, Wilmer, Arley, Arnett, Arvil, Burnett, Curtiss, Earnie, Elroy, Estill, Ewell, Gorden, Harrell, Linton, Worth, Audley, Bertis, Bland, Burnie, Colbert, Derrel, Dolph, Ermal, Ermon, Euell, Ferd, Harless, Hervey, Hulen, Lenoard, Lenton, Lilburn, Linford, Lorence, Obert, Olden, Plummer, Vearl, Vertis, Wilferd, Aubra, Auther, Barnes, Barnet, Barth, Bernal, Bernerd, Blease, Burnard, Elvert, Erlin, Esco, Eural, Ferman, Fernie, Goodwin, Hargis, Hassell, Heywood, Jervis, Larnce, Leldon, Linard, Mance, Olney, Onis, Orlie, Orvill, Royston, Seldon, Seymore, Stanely, Talbot, Talton, Ulis, Verdis, Willey, Herny, Alberth, Bazil, Burris, Carnie, Earsel, Edgel, Elby, Elick, Elsworth, Elzia, Eugine, Ewart, Garlen, Harce, Hasten, Holbert, Merion, Nester, Normal, Oley, Orton, Thedford, Wyley
Names like Ernest
Names whose popularity has moved with Ernest's over the last 50 years.
