Holding steady.
Popularity of Ernesta since 1915
Babies named Ernesta per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 41 |
| 1920s | 21 |
| 1930s | 19 |
| 1940s | 18 |
| 1950s | 35 |
| 1960s | 30 |
| 1970s | 69 |
| 1980s | 11 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Ernesta is a vintage feminine name with Germanic roots meaning 'serious' or 'determined'. It peaked in 1915, the year it was first recorded in U.S. data, with a small number of births. The name has remained stable in usage since then, with no recorded births in recent decades. Its early 20th-century popularity aligns with similar names like Ernestine and Erna. While Ernesta has not seen a revival, its association with earnestness and strength appeals to parents seeking a rare, traditional name with a solid historical foundation.
Ernesta is the feminine form of Ernest, derived from the Old High German word 'ernust', meaning 'seriousness' or 'determination'. The name was introduced to England by the Hanoverian dynasty in the 18th century and gained modest popularity in the 19th century, particularly in German-speaking regions and among English-speaking families with German heritage.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ernie, Nesta, Etta
Sibling names for Ernesta
Names that share Ernesta's style, for a brother or sister.
