Ernest - Wiktionary, the free dictionary (2024)

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What does Ernest mean in German? ›

Ernest is a boy's name of German origin. This strong, classic name translates to “serious” and “vigor” and is clearly reflective of its adjective counterpart, “earnest.” Ernest is likely most famous thanks to prolific author Ernest Hemingway, who penned such classics as The Sun Also Rises and A Farewell to Arms.

Meaning:Serious business; Battle to the death. We are dead serious when we say that you should pick the name Ernst! A boy's name of German origins, Ernst is a shorter version of the classically popular Old German name Ernest.

ēr adv. 1. Earliest or soonest in time, first; for the first time.

Ernestine is a feminine given name. Ernest is the male counterpart of this name.

Its general meaning is that of a pledge or token given as the assurance of the fulfillment of a bargain or promise.

Some common synonyms of earnest are grave, sedate, serious, sober, solemn, and staid. While all these words mean "not light or frivolous," earnest suggests sincerity or often zealousness of purpose.

German, Dutch, and Danish: from the personal name Ernst, which is most probably a byname from Middle High German and Middle Dutch ern(e)st 'combat, serious business'. This surname is also found in France (mainly Alsace and Lorraine), Poland, and Czechia.

Jewish (Ashkenazic): nickname or artificial name from German ernst 'earnest serious'. Compare Ernest .

That said, a few different men named Ernest have played a role in the family's modern history. George V, born in 1865, was himself likely named after Prince Albert's father, Ernest I, sovereign Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, in Germany, or Albert's brother, Ernest II.

showing depth and sincerity of feeling: earnest words; an earnest entreaty. seriously important; demanding or receiving serious attention.

Why is the name Ernest so important? ›

The name of “Ernest” comes to symbolize different things for different people. For Gwendolen and Cecily it “inspires absolute confidence” but also symbolizes the ideal husband/ lover. For Jack, “Ernest” is an alter ego, an identity through which he can court Gwendolen and cavort in the pleasures of city life.

Ernest is a given name derived from Germanic word ernst, meaning "serious".

Derived from Old High German ernust meaning "serious, earnest". It was introduced to England by the German House of Hanover when they inherited the British throne in the 18th century, though it did not become common until the following century.

Ernest was a Top 40 name from 1880 to 1926, and despite trending downward from there, hung onto the Top 1000 until 2019. But we may see the rise of Ernest again before long.

Jack uses his alter-ego Ernest to keep his honorable image intact. Ernest enables Jack to escape the boundaries of his real life and act as he wouldn't dare to under his real identity. Ernest provides a convenient excuse and disguise for Jack, and Jack feels no qualms about invoking Ernest whenever necessary.

Earnest as a boy's name is of Old German origin, and the meaning of Earnest is "serious or battle to the death".