Earnest is a name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is derived from the Middle English word "ernest," which means "serious" or "sincere." The name Earnest was popular during the medieval period and was often used as a given name, but it also had a long history of use as a title or rank in England.
The name Earnest gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th century, likely due to its association with prominent figures such as Earnest Hemingway, the renowned American novelist. However, despite its literary connections and historical significance, Earnest has never been particularly common as a given name. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has never ranked in the top 1000 most popular boys' names in the United States.
Today, Earnest is more commonly used as a middle name rather than a first name. It is often chosen for its literary associations or its classic, old-fashioned sound. Some famous people with the name Earnest include Earnest Hemingway (the aforementioned novelist), Earnest Borgnine (an American actor), and Earnest Shackleton (a British explorer). Overall, while Earnest may not be a particularly popular name today, it has a rich history and an interesting meaning that continue to make it appealing to some parents.
The name Earnest has been a part of the United States' birth records for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1898. Throughout the years, there have been periods where this name was more popular than others.
In the early 20th century, from 1913 to 1925, Earnest saw its highest popularity with an average of around 14 births per year during this period. The peak year for the name was 1922, with a total of 20 births recorded that year.
However, as time passed, the popularity of the name decreased significantly. From 1930 to 1972, there were only five years where more than 10 babies named Earnest were born each year. The lowest point was in 1963 and 1980, with just five births each year.
Despite its fluctuating popularity, the name Earnest has remained present throughout the decades. In total, from 1898 to 1980, there were 726 babies named Earnest born in the United States. This demonstrates that while trends may come and go, some names like Earnest maintain a steady presence over time.