Ernest m
English: of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German vocabulary word eornost seriousness, battle (to the death). The name was introduced into England in the 18th century by followers of the Hanoverian Elector who became George I of England. A variant spelling Earnest has arisen from the modern English adjective earnest, which is only distantly connected with the name.
Short form: English: Ern.
Pet form: English: Ernie.
Feminine forms: English: Ernesta, Ernestine. German: Ernsta, Erna.
First names dictionary. 2012.