Ernest
How to say it: UR-nist · /ˈɜrnɪst/
From Old High German 'Ernust' meaning seriousness, vigor, or battle to the death; earnest in intent.
Ernest was the 939th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 213 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1890s, its births are steady over ten years, and it is projected to rise to #937 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #939 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 213 |
| Share of births | 1 in 15,564 |
| Peak decade | 1890s |
| Change over 10 years | −1% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #937 |
| In France, 2025 | #275 among boys’ names, 195 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Once a leading choice with a high in the 1890s, Ernest has grown much rarer. Sitting far below that high, a small revival looks likely soon.
What goes with it
Airy with breathy sounds, Ernest feels sturdy and reserved. Albert shares its style and Ernie gives a friendly short form.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Ernest is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Polish, Russian.
In France: #275 for boys in 2025.
England and Wales: #252.
Famous people named Ernest
- Ernest Hemingway (1899–1961)American author and journalist
- Ernest Rutherford (1871–1937)New Zealand physicist
- Ernest Lawrence (1901–1958)American nuclear physicist
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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