Why does gwendolen want to marry an ernest?

Gwendolen wants to marry someone named Ernest because she is infatuated with the name itself, believing it to embody qualities of sincerity and integrity. For her, "Ernest" symbolizes a desirable character trait that she associates with the ideal partner. This whimsical attachment to the name reflects her superficial understanding of love and relationships, showcasing the play's themes of identity and societal expectations. Ultimately, Gwendolen's desire highlights the absurdity of valuing a name over the person's actual character.