ERNEST
Ernest
The surname Ernest is a notable British surname of Germanic origins. It is derived from the Old High German name Ernust, meaning "serious" or "earnest". The name Ernest was popularized in Britain in the 19th century due to the fame of Prince Albert Ernest, the Duke of Edinburgh and the second son of Queen Victoria.
The Ernest family name is found predominantly in England, particularly in areas with historical connections to the royalty, such as London and Kent. Over time, the surname has spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.
Individuals bearing the surname Ernest have made significant contributions to various fields, including literature, academia, and the arts. Notable figures with the surname Ernest include renowned British novelist and social critic Jack Ernest Hemingway and acclaimed American philosopher and psychologist Ernest Becker.
The surname Ernest carries a sense of dignity and solemnity, reflecting the Germanic origins of the name. It is a name that signifies seriousness and earnestness, traits that may have been valued by the ancestors of those who bear this surname.
In conclusion, the British surname Ernest is a distinguished and historically significant name that has left its mark on various aspects of British society. Its origins, meaning, and notable bearers make it a prominent feature in the rich tapestry of British surnames.
There are approximately 359 people named Ernest in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Ernest.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Region of origin: Europe
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- Brandon
- David
- Gary
- John
- Joseph
- Martin
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
Female
- Elissa
- Emily
- Jacqueline
- Jane
- Joyce
- Kathryn
- Lucy
- Megan
- Melanie
- Nicola
- Pamela
- Patience
- Susan
- Teresa