What Does the Name Ernest Mean?
Ernest is a boy's name of Germanic origin meaning “serious, resolute.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Ernest |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | Germanic |
| Meaning | serious, resolute |
| Variants | Ernie, Ernst, Ernesto, Earnest |
| Popularity | Very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; now uncommon. |
The meaning and origin of Ernest
The name Ernest means “serious, resolute” and has Germanic origins. From the Germanic element 'ernust' meaning serious, resolute, or vigour in battle. It was introduced to England in the 18th century by the Hanoverian royal family.
Variants and related names
Ernest is related to several other names you may recognize: Ernie, Ernst, Ernesto, Earnest. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Ernest?
Very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; now uncommon.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ernest mean?+
The name Ernest means “serious, resolute” and is of Germanic origin.
What is the origin of the name Ernest?+
Ernest originates from Germanic.
Is Ernest a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Ernest has trended in the US over time.
Ernest by gender
More boy's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press