Skip to main content

Updated March 21, 2024

Table of contents

Boy name origins & meanings

  • Old German : Vigorous

How Popular Is The Name Ernest

Family name origins & meanings

  • English and Dutch : from the Germanic byname mentioned at Ernst. However, Reaney cites medieval evidence for Norman spellings such as Ernais, and derives it from a Germanic personal name Arn(e)gis, possibly composed of the elements arn ‘eagle’ + gīsil ‘pledge’, ‘hostage’, ‘noble youth’ (see Giesel). The name may have been altered by folk etymology to coincide with the word meaning ‘combat’. Compare Harness.
  • Dutch : variant of Ernst.

Join the Family

Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning.

Subscribe