Ernest
Meaning & Origin
Meaning: Serious; Resolute
Background: The name Ernest originates from the Old French name 'Ernest,' which is derived from the Germanic name 'Ernust,' meaning 'serious' or 'resolute.' This Germanic root can also be traced back to the Latin 'ernestus,' carrying similar connotations of earnestness and sincerity.
At a glance
Quick stats based on the history of this name.
Lifetime rank
#120
Total births
304,137
Most popular decade
1920s
(162,099 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-206 ranks)
Years in Top 100
77
First recorded year
1880
Gender usage
99.4% male
0.6% female
Stats by gender
Male
- First year
- 1880
- First year births
- 615
- First year rank
- #26
- Peak year
- 1921
- Peak year births
- 5,697
- Peak rank
- #38
- Most recent year
- 2024
- Recent year births
- 200
- Recent rank
- #1,083
Female
- First year
- 1886
- First year births
- 5
- First year rank
- #1,108
- Peak year
- 1927
- Peak year births
- 51
- Peak rank
- #1,071
- Most recent year
- 1991
- Recent year births
- 10
- Recent rank
- #7,987
Births over time
Number of babies given this name each year.
Rank over time
Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).