Ernest vs Gerald

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 #1,168 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"rule of the spear, spear ruler"

Origin: Germanic

English Irish American

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Ernest Rank #1,085

Gerald Rank #1,168

Ernest is more popular, ranked #1085 vs #1168 for Gerald.

Is Ernest or Gerald more popular?

Ernest is more popular, ranked #1085 compared to Gerald at #1168 in the United States.

What do Ernest and Gerald mean?

Ernest means "serious, determined, vigorous" (Old High German origin). Gerald means "rule of the spear, spear ruler" (Germanic origin).

Are Ernest and Gerald boy or girl names?

Ernest is primarily a boy name. Gerald is primarily a boy name.