Ernest
Pronunciation: [ ERN-uhst ]
Does Ernest flow with your last name?
A distinctive girl name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
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Browse nicknames →Historical Record
Ernest first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 668 babies have been named Ernest in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Ernest is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #11,600 for girl names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Popularity Rank
- #11,600
- Total SSA Count
- 10
Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Ernest is also used as a boy name, ranked #1085.
View Ernest as a boy name →Similar Names
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View all →American English origin
"modern invention; possibly hillside m..."
#11,786 in US
-ora suffix (Latin/Greek) origin
"light, golden"
#11,683 in US
Arabic origin
"Blooming, radiant, full of beauty and..."
#11,706 in US
Latin origin
"from Florence, blooming"
#11,633 in US
Old English origin
"short form of Bradley or Bradford"
#11,539 in US
German origin
"Diminutive of Leonore or Lorelei; glory"
#11,556 in US
Hebrew origin
"name of God"
#11,563 in US
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ernest
Is Ernest a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Ernest?
How popular is the name Ernest?
What are common nicknames for Ernest?
Is Ernest a common or rare name?
What girl names are similar to Ernest?
About the Name Ernest
Ernest is a girl name .
Is Ernest a boy or girl name? Ernest is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #11,600 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,085. Ernest is more commonly used as a boy name.
Ernest is currently ranked #11,600 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
Common nicknames for Ernest include Ern, Erne, Erney, Erneie, Ery, Erie, and Ernkins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis