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At a Glance
- Meaning
- Serious, resolute (variant of Ernest)
- Origin
- English (variant spelling of Ernest, from Germanic)
- Gender
- Boy
- Pronunciation
- UR-nist
Earnest is a variant spelling of Ernest, tracing back to a Germanic root, and it carries the meaning "serious, resolute." It's pronounced UR-nist. If you like the sound and history of Ernest but want a slightly different look on the page, Earnest is the alternate spelling to consider.
Meaning & Origin of Earnest
Meaning: Serious, resolute (variant of Ernest).
Origin: English (variant spelling of Ernest, from Germanic).
Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.
How to Pronounce Earnest
UR-nistIPA /ˈɜːrnɪst/
Popularity of Earnest
Earnest peaked at #106 on the SSA list in 1900, when 223 boys were given the name, but by 2024 it had fallen to #5489 with just 17 babies named Earnest that year.
Names Like Earnest
These names share Earnest’s style, era or origin.
FAQ
What does the name Earnest mean?
Serious, resolute (variant of Ernest). (Source: Wiktionary)
How do you pronounce Earnest?
Earnest is pronounced UR-nist (IPA: /ˈɜːrnɪst/).
Is Earnest a popular name right now?
Earnest peaked at #106 in 1900 and is ranked #5489 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)
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