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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
Classic and elegant, this old first name is making a strong comeback in 2024. It is attracting more and more parents looking for a vintage touch. Find out why this first name, which is one of the 300 most popular, perfectly embodies retro charm.
Worn by around 9,000 people in France, Ernest has climbed into the Top 300 of the most given first names in the country. This renewed popularity reflects the growing interest in so-called old-fashioned first names, these first names which, far from falling into disuse, are experiencing a new golden age. The charm of their history and their distinguished side are attracting more and more modern families.
A first name of Germanic origin
The first name Ernest has its origins in the Germanic “Ernust”, which means “serious” or “determined”. This meaning reflects qualities of integrity and perseverance, virtues that continue to resonate with contemporary values. Ernest has crossed the centuries, worn by famous personalities such as the American writer Ernest Hemingway, which has helped to forge its image as a first name that is both intellectual and strong.
Gabrielle Vincent gave life to a duo as mischievous as they are improbable, Ernest and Celestine. It’s the story of a friendship between a clumsy and grumpy violinist bear, Ernest, and a super active mouse, Célestine. They melt their readers, all generations combined. On the program, lessons in tenderness and tolerance, told with poetic verve against a background of watercolor colors. A delicate atmosphere like the first names of the protagonists!
The trend of retro first names
The renewed interest in first names like Ernest is part of a broader trend in France: that of the return of retro first names. First names like Paul, Louise and Victor are also in vogue, and Ernest fits perfectly into this movement, bringing a touch of authenticity and tradition.
The authors of L’Officiel des Prénoms (First Editions) have also established a “favorite” list of current bohemian male first names of which Ernest is one: Achille, Albert, Alceste, Alfred, Alphonse, Amédée, Anatole, Anthelme, Aristides, Arsène, Aubin, Auguste, Augustin, Basile, Calixte, Camille, Clotaire, Clovis, Cyprien, Domitien, Edmond, Émile, Émilien, Ernest, Eustache, Félix, Ferdinand, Firmin, Gaspard, Gaston, Georges, Gustave, Hector, Hippolyte, Honoré, Isidore, Joseph, Léandre, Léonard, Léonce, Léopold, Lucien, Marceau, Marcel, Marius, Martin, Maurice, Octave, Oscar, Robinson, Séraphin, Théodore, Théophile, Théotime, Thimothée, Ulysse, Valère, Virgil, Wallerand, Wandrille, Zéphyr.
Moderate but promising growth in 2024
Although the fashion for first names is constantly evolving, Ernest shows stable and moderate progress in 2024, far from spectacular increases, but solid in its rise. Its vintage and elegant side allows it to remain in people’s minds, without sinking into excess popularity which could make it a short-lived first name. This happy medium attracts parents who are looking for a first name that is unique, but not too rare, classic without being common. Outside of France, this first name is particularly popular in English-speaking countries and in Germany. It is possible that, in the years to come, Ernest will continue to climb in the ranking of given first names, while retaining this rare and precious character which is his strength today.
Slide: Top sparkling and trendy retro boy names!