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Is Ernie acceptable in 2022?

59 replies

RainCheckMate · 26/04/2022 16:49

Will Ernie lead to teasing or is it no different to other nickname names like Archie and Alfie?

Are there any names other than Ernest where Ernie could be the NN?

OP posts:
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SummaLuvin · 26/04/2022 16:55

Ernie follows the same trend as Freddie, Archie..., but to my ears does sound a bit more dated and like an old man name. That doesn't mean it is a bad name, I love Frank, but most people I have mentioned it to said it's very dated.

With regards to teasing I'm of the opinion that, while names can be used by bullies, they are rarely the reason why someone is a target. Ernie is a perfectly normal name and definitely 'acceptable'.

Biscuitsneeded · 26/04/2022 16:57

Ernie is fine, and quite cute, as long as you are prepared for 'he drove the fastest milkcart in the West' from those of us who remember it!

user3199 · 26/04/2022 16:58

To me it has the same vibe as Freddie, Archie, Charlie etc so can't see that a child would be teased because of it. But I don't have school aged children so maybe I'm being naive.

I know of an 8 year old Ernestine and she likes her name. No idea if it's ever shortened.

RainCheckMate · 26/04/2022 17:10

Biscuitsneeded · 26/04/2022 16:57

Ernie is fine, and quite cute, as long as you are prepared for 'he drove the fastest milkcart in the West' from those of us who remember it!

@Biscuitsneeded I didn't know it until I googled the name. I doubt current and future generations of kids will ever hear of it.

I'm wondering more about Sesame Street but even that isn't very familiar to British kids these days is it? I can't even work out what channel Sesame Street is shown on.

OP posts:
mondler · 26/04/2022 17:10

I love it but I have a pet with the name and I often get asked where Bert. But I'm sure people wouldn't say that to a child! I think it fits well with the current trends.

Cantthinkofanewusername · 26/04/2022 17:17

My FILs brother is Ernesto shortened to "Ern". 🏺

CuriousCatfish · 26/04/2022 17:20

Ernie is awful. I can't see a teenager thanking you for calling him Ernie.

daisyjgrey · 26/04/2022 17:20

My 3yr old nephew has a friend the same age who's called Ernest.

MinoucheSapphic · 26/04/2022 17:20

It doesn't sound nice to me, personally... For me, it's on par with the likes of Herbert and Vernon in terms of attractiveness.

If you like it, then I don't see a problem though. Diminutive names are very popular nowadays.

Chaoslatte · 26/04/2022 17:22

Personally I wouldn’t enjoy being named after a Muppet

Babdoc · 26/04/2022 17:24

For those of us who remember Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, the name will always be associated with “short fat hairy legs”, and “you can’t see the join” in Ernie’s supposed wig!

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 26/04/2022 17:28

I think of Bert and Ernie, and Morecombe and Wise.

TulipsGarden · 26/04/2022 17:30

I know a five year old Ernie and a newborn. I'm not keen, but then I don't like Frank/Archie/Ray etc either.

Noisyprat · 26/04/2022 17:31

No, it's what the premium bonds used to be called!

Firebird83 · 26/04/2022 17:38

I know a primary age Ernie. I think it’s fine.

Antarcticant · 26/04/2022 17:39

He drove the fastest milk-cart in the west!

pedropony76 · 26/04/2022 17:43

CuriousCatfish · 26/04/2022 17:20

Ernie is awful. I can't see a teenager thanking you for calling him Ernie.

Yep this. It’s one of those names that make me think, ‘how can you look at a new born baby and call him Ernie (or a name where Ernie would be the nickname)’

toastofthetown · 26/04/2022 17:48

It fits in with Ronnie, Alfie, Freddie etc. Not a group of names I particularly like, but I don’t think it’s teaseworthy. It’s rocketing in popularity at the moment. I like Ernesto as a full name, but not sure that works so well on a British kid.

FangsForTheMemory · 26/04/2022 17:49

Great name if he plans to be a milkman.

Otherwise, not so much.

gogohm · 26/04/2022 17:51

Sorry can't help thinking of the song

DramaAlpaca · 26/04/2022 18:58

It's just such an ugly name.

Thedogscollar · 26/04/2022 19:01

Sorry OP it's just not a nice name.

simplesooze · 26/04/2022 19:24

If you're not sure then don't

BertieBotts · 26/04/2022 19:30

I think it's alright! Much better than a lot of popular names right now.

MurderAtTheBeautyPageant · 26/04/2022 19:36

I'm not a massive fan of all the cute vintage -ie boys' names that are currently popular, but some reason Ernie sounds so much worse than Alfie, Charlie, Freddie et al. It's too comedic.