Surname Ernest - Meaning and Origin

Ernest: What does the surname Ernest mean?

The last name Ernest has German, Dutch, and French origins, and its literal meaning is “earnest” or “serious.” Historically, this name has been given to individuals who possess reliable qualities, such as trustworthiness and dependability. As a result, the name Ernest is often associated with loyalty, hard work, and determination.

In Germany, Ernest is derived from a combination of the Germanic words 'ern' and 'est,' which indicates that the individual was a powerful and influential figure. This origin implies that the bearer of this name was a respected leader among their peers.

In the Netherlands, Ernest is also derived from the Germanic 'ern' and 'est,' although the Dutch spelling is Werner. Contemporary Dutch authors, including famous writers and poets, have used this name to confer prestige and respectability on their characters.

The French variant of this name, Ernotte, has similar roots as the German and Dutch forms, but the literal translation is “son of Eruiz.” This version indicates that Ernest originally came from a French family of powerful or knowledgeable individuals.

Ernest is an ancient and noble name that is associated with dependability, loyalty, and respectability. Throughout its history, this name has been associated with influential and powerful figures, giving it a sense of admiration and prestige. Therefore, to be named Ernest is to carry a legacy of honor and integrity.

Ernest: Where does the name Ernest come from?

The last name Ernest is most common today in Germany. According to the website Forebears, it was the 4th most popular last name in Germany in 2018, with a recorded 50,274 occurrences. The spread is also quite broad, with the last name recorded in 81 of Germany’s 83 federal states.

The last name Ernest is far less common elsewhere in the world. In the United States, it ranked 2,067th in popularity in the year 2018, with a frequency of about 800 people with the last name. In England, it is even less common, appearing at rank 3,246, with an overall frequency of around 300 people with the last name. The last name Ernest is not very common in other English-speaking countries either, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Outside of Europe, the last name Ernest is mainly found in African countries and French-speaking countries in the Caribbean. In Africa, it is mainly found in Cameroon, where it is a popular last name amongst the French-speaking and English-speaking populations. In the Caribbean, the last name Ernest is most common in French-speaking islands such as Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Overall, the last name Ernest is most common in Germany. It is also somewhat common in African countries, French-speaking countries in the Caribbean, and the United States, but is much less popular in English-speaking countries such as England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname Ernest

Ernest is a Germanic name that originated from the Old German given name Ernust, which means “responsible and serious”. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic “arnustan”, which means “to be firm and resolute”.

Ernest has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, including Earnest, Ernst, Arndt, Ardnt, Earnston, Ernstes, Earnesto, Ernesto, Earnestas, Ernestas, Arne, Arnold, Arnott, Arnoldt, Arnaldo, Ambroise, and Ambroise. The surnames Ernsberger, Ernsbacher, Ernstberger, Ehrnsberger, Arnoux, Arnou, Arnaud, Arnault, Arnaux, and Arnaiz are further variants of Ernest.

Finally, there are some variants of the surname Ernest in Scotland specifically. These include Earnie, Ernson, Earnson, Ernsson, and Earnston.

Despite the many different variants, spellings, and surnames, Ernest remains a popular given name in many parts of the world today. Though originally a German name, it has become a beloved name for families of many nationalities.

Famous people with the name Ernest

• Ernest Hemingway: American journalist, novelist, and Nobel Prize laureate.
• Ernest Borgnine: American actor.
• Ernest Shackleton: Anglo-Irish explorer of the Antarctic.
• Ernest Bevin: British politician and statesman.
• Ernest Moniz: American nuclear physicist and former United States Secretary of Energy.
• Ernest Tubb: Country music singer-song writer.
• Ernest Gaines: American novelist.
• Ernest Rutskoi: Russian politician.
• Ernest Okonkwo: Nigerian actor.
• Ernest Thompson Seton: British-born American naturalist, writer, and wildlife artist.
• Ernesto Diaz Infante: Mexican-American composer.
• Ernest Hollings: American politician and the 98th governor of South Carolina.
• Ernest Hollingsworth: English film director.
• Ernest Dowson: English poet.
• Ernest Lawrence: American physicist and Nobel laureate.
• Ernest Omaruyi: Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and producer.
• Ernest Green: American civil rights leader and one of the Little Rock Nine.
• Ernest Douwes Dekker: Dutch writer and anti-colonialist.
• Ernest Lakein: German hymn writer.
• Ernest Tucker: American professional basketball player.

Other surnames

Ernest/EarnestErnestiErnestus