Ernest vs Bailey

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Ernest

Boy #1,085 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"serious, determined, vigorous"

Origin: Old High German

English German French

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Boy #1,270 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"outer wall of a castle (bailey)"

Origin: Old French

English American Scottish

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Ernest Rank #1,085

Bailey Rank #1,270

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

Is Ernest or Bailey more popular?

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

What do Ernest and Bailey mean?

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

Are Ernest and Bailey boy or girl names?

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