Ernie brings to mind
Bert &
Ernie, &
Bert names are on the rise, so why not? It fits the trend, along with
Wilfred and such. And there are a lot of famous namesake Ernests.
I don't know, it seems like a decent name, with dignity and history, but 'earnest' conjures up someone intense and rather boring. I think it could grow on me but I don't immediately love it.