It's an ironic play on words—just like his surname Worthing, implying "worthy," which is how best to describe his existence of outward respectability in the countryside. Yet Jack is neither worthy nor earnest when he comes to London. He has created the character of Ernest as an alter ego; he's supposed to be an improvident rake, always getting into trouble of one kind or another. The persona of Ernest allows Jack to take off to London at a moment's notice, to try and help his "brother" out of another jam. In actual fact, it's a great opportunity for Jack to indulge himself in a life of dissipated gaiety, far away from the prying eyes of his respectable family. This not particularly earnest Ernest can play the part of man about town to his debauched heart's content without the burden of looking after Cecily weighing down upon his shoulders.
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