Earnest
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What does the baby name Earnest mean? Learn about what Earnest means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.
Earnest - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Spelling of Earnest
- E-A-R-N-E-S-T, is a 7-letter male given name.
- Pronunciation of Earnest
- UR-nəst
- UR nest
- Meaning of Earnest
- Sincere, diligent, truthful, serious minded, earnest, serious.
- Origin of Earnest
- The name 'Earnest' has its roots in Old English, derived from the word 'eornost', which means 'serious' or 'earnest'. It first appeared in written records in the 19th century, but its usage can be traced back even further. The name has a strong association with qualities such as sincerity, seriousness, and determination.
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- Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Earnest
- Earnesto
- Ernest
- Ernesto
- Ernestus
- Erneszt
- Ernie
- Erno
- Ernst
- Popularity of Earnest
- Over the years, the popularity of the name 'Earnest' has varied. It experienced a notable spike in usage during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with the Victorian era. During this time, virtues such as earnestness and moral integrity were highly valued. However, in recent decades, the name has seen a decline in popularity, with parents opting for more modern and unique names for their children.
- Earnest currently has 42 likes, and is in the top 6% of liked boy's names. The name Rodolfo is slightly more popular than Earnest.
Etymology of Earnest
The etymology of the name 'Earnest' can be traced back to its Old English roots. The word 'eornost' is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'ernustuz', which means 'serious' or 'earnest'. It is fascinating to see how the meaning of the name has remained consistent throughout its long history.
Cultural Significance of Earnest
The name 'Earnest' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In literature, the name gained prominence through Oscar Wilde's play 'The Importance of Being 'Earnest'. The play explores themes of identity, deception, and the importance of sincerity. The character named 'Earnest' represents the epitome of societal expectations and the struggle to live up to them.