Ernst
Ernst is a boys' name of German origin meaning “serious, resolute.” A name that literally means 'earnest' or 'serious,' Ernst carries the weight of intellectual rigor and moral conviction.
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how do you pronounce Ernst?
EHRNST
where does the name Ernst come from?
The German, Dutch and Scandinavian form of Ernest, from a medieval Germanic royal name built on a root meaning vigour or strife, with a sense of earnestness or seriousness.
It has been borne by numerous German philosophers, scientists, and artists. The name projects gravitas and principled determination.
how popular is this name?
Ernst has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 33 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 7. It peaked at #411 in 1885, and ranked #938 in 1919.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1919 | #938 |
| 1918 | #902 |
| 1917 | #833 |
| 1916 | #840 |
| 1915 | #893 |
| 1914 | #898 |
| 1913 | #914 |
| 1912 | #1000 |
| 1900 | #902 |
| 1890 | #667 |
| 1885 | #411 |
| 1880 | #640 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Ernst fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Ernst?
- Ernst Mach (Austrian physicist and philosopher)
- Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (German Expressionist painter)
what are the nicknames and variants of Ernst?
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Ernst?
what names go well with Ernst?
Sibling names that share Ernst's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Ernst
What does the name Ernst mean?
Ernst means “serious, resolute”.
What is the origin of the name Ernst?
Ernst comes from the German naming tradition. Related forms include Ernest.
How popular is the name Ernst?
Ernst ranked #938 in the US in 1919, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1885, at #411, and it has spent 33 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Ernst a boy or girl name?
Ernst is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Ernst?
Ernst is pronounced EHRNST, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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