Name meaning & stats
Ernest
Ernest means “serious, resolute” (Germanic origin). 150,023 US babies since 1940, peak 1947. Notable Ernests are 1.4× over-represented as professors.
What it means
“serious, resolute”
GermanicWell documented
In US birth records
Peak year: 1947
150,023 US babies were named Ernest between 1940 and 2025.
Where Ernests end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| NFL-style footballer | 1.3× | Medium · 17 people |
| Politician | 1.0× | Medium · 15 people |
| Professor | 1.4× | Medium · 14 people |
| Basketball player | 1.2× | Medium · 13 people |
Among notable men who are professors, Ernests show up 1.4× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
One more thing…
Ernest has a surprise career: 1.3×
Spelling family
Ernest is the main spelling
- Ernest 99%
- Ernst 1%
Names that sound the same, grouped by Heyotag. Share of US babies since 1940.
Name twins (peaked around 1947)