Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Ernie

      Origin 
      English

      Meaning 
      Diminutive form of Ernest

      Variations 
      Bernie, Arnie, Ernest

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Ernie, derived from the English language, is a diminutive form of the name Ernest. Ernest itself is a name of Old English origin, derived from the word eornost, meaning serious or earnest. As a diminutive form, Ernie carries the same connotations of being a shortened or familiar version of the name Ernest.

      Throughout history, the name Ernie has been relatively uncommon and often used as a nickname for individuals named Ernest. Typically, it is a casual and friendly way to address someone with the given name. However, it is worth noting that names like Ernie can be transformed into independent names with their own identity over time.

      In modern-day usage, Ernie is still recognized as a diminutive of Ernest, but it has also gained recognition as a standalone name. It is commonly used as a given name for boys, preferred by those seeking a shorter and more informal alternative. Although not as prevalent as some other names, Ernie persists as a choice for parents looking for a simple, approachable, and charismatic name for their children.

      Overall, the name Ernie is rooted in English origin, originating from the name Ernest. It has a long history as a diminutive form and, in modern-day usage, can be both a nickname and a standalone name for boys.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Ernie.
      Smith

      is the most common surname for Ernie.

      Mary

      is the most common spouse name for Ernie.

      Ernest

      is the most common child name for Ernie.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1910 is when there were the most people born with the first name Ernie.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.