Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Ernestine since 1880
Babies named Ernestine per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 322 |
| 1890s | 679 |
| 1900s | 1,238 |
| 1910s | 5,217 |
| 1920s | 9,608 |
| 1930s | 8,516 |
| 1940s | 7,970 |
| 1950s | 5,653 |
| 1960s | 2,913 |
| 1970s | 999 |
| 1980s | 552 |
| 1990s | 237 |
| 2000s | 54 |
| 2010s | 62 |
| 2020s | 12 |
Meaning & origin
Ernestine originated as the feminine form of Ernest, from the Old High German 'eornost', meaning seriousness or vigor. Brought to England by the House of Hanover, it enjoyed widespread use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. U.S. Social Security data shows the name first recorded in 1880, reaching its peak rank in 1928. Since 1985, its use has been falling, and it has not appeared among the top 1,000 names in recent decades. While no longer common, Ernestine carries a vintage charm and a strong, virtuous meaning that may appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth.
Ernestine is the feminine form of Ernest, which derives from the Old High German word 'eornost', meaning 'seriousness' or 'battle to the death'. The name was introduced to England by the German House of Hanover, and it was particularly popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, Ernestine saw peak usage in the 1920s and has since declined.
Where Ernestine 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.
“Ernestine” around the world
Where Ernestine lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ernie, Tina, Erna
Sibling names for Ernestine
Names that share Ernestine's style, for a brother or sister.
