Ernest

I mean, only you can really decide the importance of being Ernest.

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Sorry, I couldn't resist. I don't think I've ever actually met anyone named Ernest, but I wouldn't think it was particularly strange to meet someone around my age (I'm guessing you're 20s-30s?) named Ernest, and I think Ernie is a great nickname, honestly. I will be 34 within a day and the main things I think of are Oscar Wilde and Sesame Street, but Oscar Wilde is cool and I think Ernie was the most fun character on Sesame Street.

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I love Ernest, and I think Ernie is so sweet! It is a little old mannish, but old person names are cool again. Names are cyclical like that. It’s definitely on my list for if I have a boy.

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But most importantly, it's your name, so if you love it and it feels right to you, go for it!

If you were a child during the 1980s, then the reason you think of this name as nerdy is because of the TV Show, “Hey Vern, It’s Ernest!” He was an endearing character but definitely not “cool.” This is what comes to mind when I hear this name, though for me, it’s not a negative image nor does is ruin the name for me at all. It does make me hesitate to use it as a first name though, due to the common societal impression it has in the USA. Maybe in another generation or so we will have forgotten Vern and Ernest and be able to properly revive those names again!

This name sounds very mature, which is not bad. It’s also not common, but still recognizable.

I actually don’t know any Ernests. I feel like if this name was more common it would lose some of its appeal, but I definitely love the sound regardless. A lot of classical names I like are Biblical, but Ernest is an exception.

I used to categorize this into old fashion nerdy names like Kermit, Abner, etc... until I met an Ernest. It is a strong, grounded, masculine name. Almost feels Biblical in a way too. Helps if the person with the name is an actual earnest person.

My dad's name, and it really suits him. As for me, I'd use this as a middle name to honor him.

I love Ernest! A super sweet old man name that I’d love to bestow upon a baby boy. Imagine meeting a baby Ernest, and the nickname Ernie…it just makes my heart melt. It’s underused, which is great - I hate it when my favourite names get popular.

Sounds like a nice old guy who you could have a smoke with.

My name is Ernest, let’s start with that sentence. It was originally given to me by my grandparents, originated from Montenegro former Yugoslavia as some do remember it. I’m an American with European heritage. I guess I wanted to elaborate on the importance of being Ernest. By all means I am not a famous writer or scientist. However, I fit in a category of a protector / guardian type. College educated, proudly served in US Navy, and still serving as a Firefighter AEMT. I think it’s a good name that will make separate from the rest and let you prove the “Importance of being Ernest”.

Ernest is a sweet, beautiful name that is starting to make a comeback in France where I live. I know of multiple people who have named babies Ernest over the past few years, and I think the name sounds cute on children. I also think it will age well. This name fits right in with other vintage names that people are currently using.

A super uggo name. It should be illegal for anyone under the age of 80. YUCK!

Certainly an intelligent name. If I named my child this, I'd hope twice as much that they'd have have high self esteem, and then they could pull it off. Ernest is actually a very charming, attractive name to me. I'll definitely consider this as a middle name. I also suggest considering the name Ernestine for a girl. It sounds a little less old-fashioned and probably would be better accepted in society if you like the sound of this name.

I HATE the name Ernest (and Ernie)! The name is ancient and UGLY.

I don't know why, but I just don't like this name.

I like the name and the meaning and it is the name of my son.

Sounds like someone who tries to act smart but is really a pathetic loser on the inside.

I think this name is very sweet. Though I wouldn't use it myself, I wouldn't mind seeing it on a little boy :)

For some reason I really like this name. O.0 hehe. I wouldn't use it though.

I rather like the name Ernest, but I *hate* the nickname Ernie, with a passion. So that pretty much prevents me from ever using it.

I really dislike how this name sounds, and it also reminds me of this one book I read when I was little.

Very old-fashioned. I would burst out laughing if I heard a parent shout: ''Ernest, we have to leave!'' The name sounds quite awkward with the two schwa sounds and all. Besides, I hate any Oscar Wilde association. I have never read a single play by him, but I know the guy was rather unlikeable.

I don't like the way this name sounds. I can't really put a word to it except for the fact that I don't like it.