Bailey vs Ernest

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Bailey

Boy #1,270 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"outer wall of a castle (bailey)"

Origin: Old French

English American Scottish

✓ All Clear

Boy #1,085 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"serious, determined, vigorous"

Origin: Old High German

English German French

✓ All Clear

Bailey Rank #1,270

Ernest Rank #1,085

Ernest is more popular, ranked #1085 vs #1270 for Bailey.

Is Bailey or Ernest more popular?

Ernest is more popular, ranked #1085 compared to Bailey at #1270 in the United States.

What do Bailey and Ernest mean?

Bailey means "outer wall of a castle (bailey)" (Old French origin). Ernest means "serious, determined, vigorous" (Old High German origin).

Are Bailey and Ernest boy or girl names?

Bailey is primarily a boy name. Ernest is primarily a boy name.