Surname Ernest/Earnest - Meaning and Origin
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Ernest/Earnest: What does the surname Ernest/Earnest mean?
The last name Ernest/Earnest is of Germanic origin and was derived from the name Ernst, derived from the Old High German word which roughly means “serious” or “resolute.” The name Ernest can also mean “honorable” or “right thinking.” In some parts of England, this name was bestowed upon people who seemed to be wise and thoughtful.
Throughout the years, both versions of this name—Ernest and Earnest—have been extremely common in Germany, but the spelling Ernest was more popular in England and other English speaking countries. As with other last names, its exact origin and early history is largely unknown; however, it is believed that the name started its life as a given name before it was used as a surname.
For those bearing the name, Ernest/Earnest most likely displayed admirable traits of seriousness, right-thinking and wisdom in their everyday lives. Many notable figures have held this name including actors, musicians, authors, politicians and inventors. In addition, some of these historical figures include Ernest Hemingway, Ernest Rutherford and Ernest Shackleton.
Although Ernest/Earnest is not quite as common of a name as it once was, it is still held by many today. Those who bear it are often known for their conscientiousness and wise decisions. Furthermore, it may even be a reminder for others to strive for the same qualities of seriousness, wisdom and honor.
Order DNA origin analysisErnest/Earnest: Where does the name Ernest/Earnest come from?
The last name Ernest/Earnest is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, especially the United States. According to the US Census Bureau, it is the 773rd most common name in the United States. Ernest/Earnest is also found in Canada, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Ernest/Earnest has a French origin, first appearing in Flanders in the 12th century. The name likely stems from a Flemish term for a ‘true and determined warrior.’
In the United States, Ernest/Earnest is most common in the southeastern states, likely due to the influx of French Huguenots to the region in the 1700s. It is most heavily concentrated in Georgia, likely due to the states large population of African Americans. Ernest/Earnest is also prominent in South Carolina, Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama.
The Ernest/Earnest name has strong ties to the military. It ranks among the top 25 U.S. Army enlisted surnames in World War II and is also common among veterans of Vietnam, Korea, and WWI.
The Ernest/Earnest name can also be found in England, Scotland, and Ireland. There, the name combines Old French and Old Norse elements, indicating the family migrated from Scandinavia to England. As such, many Ernest/Earnest families can trace their heritage to Viking ancestors.
In conclusion, Ernest/Earnest is a relatively common name in English-speaking countries. The name has a long and interesting history that ties it to France, England, Scandinavia, and the military.
Variations of the surname Ernest/Earnest
The Ernest/Earnest surname has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are Ernesto, Erneste, Earnesto, Earneste, Ernestine, Ernstina, Ernesta, Ernestina, Earnestine, Ernestinina and Earnestina. The variant spelling of the surname is Earnerst, Earnst and Ernst.
Some of the other related surnames that share this same origin include Earnshaw, Earned, Earnedson, Earnes, Ernes, Erness, Ernie, Ernison, Harness, Hern, Herness and Hornes. Additionally, Erniss and Earnesty are derived from the Ernest/Earnest surname, but have more evolved origins.
The Ernest/Earnest surname is of Old English origin and derives from the given name Ernest. The Old English given name Ernest was composed of the elements eornost which means earnest or serious and es which means “brave” or “strength”. The name was popularized in the Middle Ages by a number of literary works about Erasmus Eruntil, who bears the title “Ernest”.
Overall, the Ernest/Earnest surname has many variants and spellings, as well as many related surnames of the same origin. The name is of Old English origin and derives from the given name Ernest, with the elements eornost, which means earnest or serious, and es, which means “brave” or “strength”.
Famous people with the name Ernest/Earnest
- Ernest Borgnine: An iconic actor best known for his roles in classic films like “Escape From New York” and “Marty.”
- Ernest Hemingway: A famous American author, journalist, and Nobel Prize winner, whose works are considered a major contribution to 20th century literature.
- Ernest Shackleton: An Anglo-Irish explorer who led three British expeditions to the Antarctic during the early 20th century.
- Earnest Graham III: A former American football running back who played in the NFL for 10 years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins.
- Ernesto “Che” Guevara: An Argentine Marxist revolutionary whose guerrilla campaigns in Cuba and Bolivia marked him as an iconic figure of leftist movements around the world.
- Ernesto “Neto” Fonseca: A Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter and mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC and Strikeforce Lightweight divisions.
- Earnest Byner: A former American football running back who played in the NFL for 14 years with the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, and Baltimore Ravens.
- Earnest Edwards: An American football wide receiver and return specialist who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills.
- Ernest Woodrow: An American author, poet, and playwright best known for his comedic short stories and plays.
- Earnest C. Bragg: An American physicist and Nobel Prize Winner who was best known for his work on quasiparticles in solids.