Ernest vs Carl

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Ernest

Boy #1,085 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"serious, determined, vigorous"

Origin: Old High German

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Boy #1,035 Most Popular 1 Syllable

"free man"

Origin: Old High German 'karl'

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Ernest Rank #1,085

Carl Rank #1,035

Carl is more popular, ranked #1035 vs #1085 for Ernest.

Is Ernest or Carl more popular?

Carl is more popular, ranked #1035 compared to Ernest at #1085 in the United States.

What do Ernest and Carl mean?

Ernest means "serious, determined, vigorous" (Old High German origin). Carl means "free man" (Old High German 'karl' origin).

Are Ernest and Carl boy or girl names?

Ernest is primarily a boy name. Carl is primarily a boy name.