You might not be able to control what your baby’s personality will be or if she will look more like mom or dad, but you can choose her name. A name is more important than most people think.
Your baby’s name will be with her for the duration of her lifetime. A strong preppy name can help establish your child’s strengths and even promote future success.
Preppy names are great choices for your baby.
Preppy baby names are strong and successful sounding, while also being classic and timeless. MooseRoots compiled the top preppy baby names, along with their meanings, origins and popularity rankings.
These names will make your child sound like they are bound for the Ivy League.
Of course, picking one of these names will not guarantee your little one a spot at Harvard or Yale in 18 years, but with a name like Addison or Thompson, they sure will sound destined for greatness.
We’ve ranked 49 pretentious and preppy names from least to most popular in 2024.
Let’s dive in!
Quick Overview of The 49 Preppy Baby Names
Here’s a concise summary of the types of names you might find on such a list:
- Classic English Names: Names like William, Henry, and Charles for boys, along with Elizabeth, Catherine, and Anne for girls, often feature prominently. These names have been borne by royals and influential figures throughout history, contributing to their preppy image.
- French Elegance: Names like Genevieve, Charlotte, and Blaise offer a touch of French sophistication, a country known for its fashion, art, and history.
- Ivy League Inspirations: Names that sound like they belong at Ivy League schools, such as Carter, Spencer, and Harrison for boys, or Blair, Whitney, and Sloane for girls, also make the list.
- Nature and Place Names: Some preppy names draw inspiration from nature or places known for their affluent communities, like Sterling, Brooks, or Hudson for boys, and Savannah, Chelsea, or Aspen for girls.
- Unique but Traditional: Names that are unique yet still hold a traditional air, like Beckett, Archer, or Tinsley, and Harper, Greer, or Ainsley for girls, are also considered preppy.
Our Top 5 Favorite Preppy Baby Names:
- Charlotte: A classic name of French origin meaning “free man,” Charlotte exudes elegance and has royal associations, making it a top pick for a girl.
- Harrison: An English name meaning “son of Harry,” Harrison sounds distinguished and has a presidential aura, perfect for a boy.
- Blair: Of Scottish origin meaning “field” or “battlefield,” Blair strikes a balance between simplicity and sophistication, ideal for a girl.
- Spencer: Derived from an English surname meaning “steward” or “administrator,” Spencer feels both traditional and chic, fitting for a boy.
- Genevieve: This French name, meaning “tribe woman,” is both classic and unique, offering a sophisticated choice for a girl.
These names, with their blend of history, tradition, and a dash of exclusivity, are perfect for parents seeking a preppy moniker for their baby.
49. Digby
Digby is a very rare boys’ name that was transferred from an Old Norse surname.
It translates to “ditch” plus “settlement.” The name is so rare in the U.S. that the last time more than four males born were named Digby was in 2009. If you name your little guy Digby, you can be sure that everyone will remember his name.
48. Connery
Connery is another name that’s not heard often, but one that makes a statement none the less. Connery originates from Ireland and means, “warrior-lord”.
The name is so unusual that the last time there were more than four recorded males born and named Connery was in 2013. However, it makes for an interesting spin off of the popular name Connor.
47. Ingram
The name Ingram was transferred as a surname, which was derived from Swedish roots. The name is translated to mean “Ing,” the name of the Old Norse god of fertility and peace and “raven.”
The name is definitely unique and is one full of personality and intelligence. In 2014, it had a rank of 9,974 for all male newborns in the United States. That year, only seven baby boys were named Ingram in the U.S.
46. Yates
Yates literally means “gates.” Its origins are from Middle English, and it was usually a surname given to individuals who lived near gates or towns or individuals who worked as gatekeepers.
In 2014, the name ranked at 8,695. Out of the 2 million baby boys born in 2014, only nine were named Yates. Yates is a great choice for those who want a stand-out preppy name for their baby boy.
45. Aldrich
Aldrich is a preppy name with a strong meaning behind it. The name translates to mean “aged and wise ruler” or “noble ruler.” The name originates from English and German origin and was more common as a surname. Now, the name ranks at 7,020 for all male newborns in the U.S. In 2014, only 11 baby boys were given the name Aldrich in the U.S.
44. Whitaker
Whitaker is an unusual male name that is of English origin. The name translates to mean “white field” or “wheat field.” In 2014, the name ranked 3,266 for all male newborns, and only 34 baby boys were named Whitaker in the U.S. that year.
43. Bronwyn
Bronwyn has roots in English and Welsh languages.
The name means, “white/fair breast”, which might be why many parents shy away from this cute name. Bronwyn was most popular in 1964 with a rank of 1,209. Now, Bronwyn has a rank of 3,259, and only 49 female newborns were given this name in 2014 in the United States.
42. Thompson
Thompson is a very unusual name for baby boys, and it is trending downward. The name literally translates to “son of Tom,” and originates from English.
The name saw its peak of popularity in the 1880s, with the rank of 811. The name was most popular in 1887 with a high rank of 679. Now the name ranks at 3,124.
In 2014, only 36 baby boys were named Thompson in the U.S.
41. Tilly
There are several possible origins of the name Tilly. It is possible it originated from the French and means, “mighty in war.” It is also possible it originated from Germany and means “strength in battle.”
It was considered the pet name or nickname of Matilda, but more parents are choosing it as a standalone name.
In 2014, Tilly held the rank of 2,623. Over 1.9 million girls were born that year in the U.S., and only 67 were named Tilly. However, the name is much more popular in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
40. Teague
Teague is an unusual male name that rhymes with “league.” The name is of Irish and Gaelic origins. It means “poet or philosopher,” which fits right into the preppy theme.
While it stands at a rank of 2,596, it is growing in popularity. In 2014, 47 baby boys were named Teague in the U.S.
39. Niles
Niles is of English origin and means “champion.” While it rhymes with the name Miles, Niles is much less popular. In 2014, it had a rank of 2,437. That year, only 52 babies were named Niles in the United States.
The name was most popular during the 1940s, reaching its peak as the 887th most common male name in 1942.
38. Orson
Orson comes from a Norman-French nickname, which translates into “bear cub.” The most famous person to bear the name is “Citizen Kane” director, Orson Welles. He dropped his more common first name, George, in favor of the name Orson.
Currently the name ranks at No. 2,438. In 2014, only 52 newborn males were named Orson in the U.S.
37. Merritt
You might not have heard of the name Merritt, but it is beginning to trend upward. It is an English baby name that means, “little famous one.” The name was the most popular in 1899 when it ranked 394th. Now the name ranks at 2,137 and only 64 baby boys were named Merritt in the U.S. in 2014.
36. Margaux
Margaux is a fancy way of spelling Margot, which was inspired by a village near Bordeaux notorious for its red wine. The name is quite popular in Belgium, ranking No. 72 there.
However, in the United States, the name ranks at 2,005 for female newborns. In 2014, only 98 baby girls received that name. The name saw more popularity in the ’80s and ’90s, which might signify hope for the future of this name.
35. Bradford
While Bradford is mostly used as a surname, it has also been used quite frequently as a first name. The name originates from England and literally means “broad ford” in Old English.
The name was at its height in popularity in the 1950s, with an average rank of 275. Now, the rank is much lower, averaging 1,898 among male newborns.
Out of the 2 million boys born in the U.S. in 2014, only 76 were named Bradford.
34. Palmer
Palmer originated as a surname that was usually given to an individual who had made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The name actually means “pilgrim.” In 2014, it had a rank of 1,472, with 110 baby boys named Palmer in the U.S.
The name reached its peak of popularity at a ranking of 383 in 1908. Currently the name Palmer is trending down for boys, but trending up for girls.
33. Darcy
Most people recognize the name Darcy from Jane Austen’s most popular novel, “Pride and Prejudice.” Darcy was the surname of the main character who eventually courted Elizabeth Bennet.
As a female name it was most popular in the 1960s, with the average rank of 400. Currently, Darcy holds a rank of 1,291. In 2014, 183 baby girls were named Darcy.
The name continues to trend upward, and made the top 200 list in 2013, ranking No. 93, in England and Wales. It made the top baby name list in Scotland and Northern Ireland in 2014.
32. Tinsley
Tinsley can be used as either a female or male name, though the name did not rank as a male name. As a female name, the name ranked 1,132. In 2014, 221 newborn girls were named Tinsley.
The name can be translated to mean, “Tynni’s hill/mound.” While the name’s meaning does not carry much significance, it is a cute alternative to the name Ainsley.
31. Poppy
The name Poppy is derived straight from the flower. It has been used as a female name since the 19th century, with its popularity peaking in the 1920s. The name also had some popularity again in the 1990s.
In 2014, the name ranked No. 1,055, with 204 baby girls named Poppy in the U.S. that year. The name Poppy is a more popular choice in different countries.
The name made the top 200 list in Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand and Northern Ireland in 2014. The name also topped the England and Wales baby name lists at No. 7 in 2013.
30. Ellison
While Ellison might have started as a male name, it is more popular in the U.S. as a female name. The name means “son of Elder.” In 2014, the name ranked No. 897 for all female newborns. That year 300 baby girls were named Ellison in the U.S.
If you were wanting this name as a boys’ name, don’t fret. Ellison as a male’s name is slowly trending upward. Right now it sits at a rank of 2,011, but in 1883, it was the 720th most common male baby name, meaning there might be hope for this name to make a comeback.
29. Vance
Vance is another baby boy name that originates from England. It means “marshland.” As far as popularity goes, the name has stayed flat in ranking over the years.
The name hit its peak of popularity in 1969 with a rank of 328. Now, the name ranks at 888. In 2014, 242 parents named their baby boys Vance.
Vance is a preppier and more unique alternative to the popular name Lance.
28. Thatcher
Thatcher originated as an English surname that indicated occupation. Thatcher translates to “roofer.” Today, the name ranks at No. 862. In 2014, 254 male newborns were given the name Thatcher. Thatcher is a unique alternative to the name Tyler.
27. Briggs
Briggs is an unusual name choice for baby boys. Briggs is an Old English name that translates to “bridges.” In 2014, the name had a rank of 831, translating to 269 baby boys born in 2014.
26. Kingsley
Kingsley originally started as a surname, and was derived from different places, such as Chesire, Hampshire, and Staffordshire. It translates to “king’s wood” in Old English. As a male name, it currently ranks at No. 760. In 2014, 308 baby boys were named Kingsley.
Kingsley is not a popular girls’ name, ranking at No. 2,505. Only 71 girls were named Kingsley in the United States in 2014.
25. Blaine
Blaine is a Gaelic name that means “yellow.” The name was most popular in 1884, when it ranked No. 209. The name was also popular in the 1960s.
24. Blair
Blair became an even preppier choice after the book and TV series “Gossip Girl.” It originated as a Scottish surname and translates to mean “plain” and “field” in Gaelic.
As a girls’ name, it currently ranks No. 650 with 435 baby girls receiving the name in the U.S. in 2014. It can also be used as a baby boys’ name, though that usage is not as popular in the U.S. Blair is a very popular boys’ name in Scotland.
23. Quincy
Quincy is the perfect name for the fifth child, since the name means “born fifth.”
The name was the most popular in 1977 when it ranked No. 273. In 2014, it held the rank of 622. That year, 422 baby boys were named Quincy in the U.S.
22. Roland
Roland originated from an Old French name with Germanic roots. It translates to “fame” plus “land, territory.” The name was used by the Normans as a way to introduce themselves to Britain. Now the name Roland holds a rank of 612 for male newborns.
In 2014, 433 baby boys were named Roland. The name was at its peak of popularity in the 1920s, averaging a rank of 106. This is most likely due to its use in literature and poetry at the time.
21. Lennox
Lennox originated as a Scottish surname and was also the name of an earldom. As a baby boy name, it currently holds the rank of 585 for all male newborns in the United States. In 2014, 469 baby boys were given the name Lennox.
20. Leighton
Leighton translates to “leek” plus “enclosure, settlement.” While the meaning is not the best, the name still sounds nice as a girl or boys’ name.
Leighton is more popular as a female name. It ranks No. 540 for a female name, with 568 baby girls named Leighton in the U.S. in 2014. As a male name, Leighton ranks No. 893, but it is growing in popularity. In 2014, 240 baby boys were named Leighton in the U.S. Leighton also made the top 200 baby name list, ranking at No. 150, in England and Wales in 2013.
19. Sterling
Sterling is an American name that is a variation of Stirling. It is derived from the Middle English word sterrling, which means “little star.” The name was most popular in the early 1900s with an average rank of 355. Currently, the name ranks at No. 508, with 545 baby boys receiving the name in 2014. As a girls’ name it is pretty, but not popular. In 2014, 97 baby girls were named Sterling in the U.S.
18. Davis
Davis originated as a surname, and as a first name was given in honor of Jefferson Davis. The name translates to “David’s son.”
The name had some popularity in the 2000s, but the most popular the name has been was in 1901 when it ranked No. 334. Now the name stands at a rank of 446 for all newborn males. In 2014, 660 baby boys were named Davis in the U.S.
17. Keaton
Keaton originates from English and Old English, first starting off as a surname. It translates to “place of the hawks.” The name was most popular in 2000, when it held the rank for 353rd most common male baby name. However, the popularity of the name is slowly dwindling down. Now the name sits at a rank of 439. In 2014, 688 baby boys were named Keaton in the U.S.
16. Sloane
The origin of the name Sloane is quite interesting.
It is a variation of the name Sloan, and it is connected to Sloane Square where fashionable and young, upper-class women were likely to live.
The name Sloane means “warrior” or “fighter.” In 2014, it held the rank of 370 in the United States. That year, 874 baby girls were named Sloane in the U.S.
15. Ainsley
Ainsley is a pretty name meaning, “one’s own meadow.” It originated as a Scottish surname and is now a lovely girls’ name. In 2014, it held the rank of 334 with 998 baby girls born named Ainsley that year in the U.S.
14. Reed
Reed is another name that was commonly used as a surname several centuries back. In Old English, the name can mean “red,” often given to individuals with red hair or a ruddy complexion.
The name can also be translated to “clearing.”
Now the name is growing in popularity as a boys’ first name. It currently holds the rank of 317. In 2014, 1,087 baby boys were named Reed in the United States. Reed is much less common and popular for a girls’ name, but 26 girls were named Reed in 2014.
13. Brooks
Brooks is a common surname today, and as a first name, it also ranks better than most names. The word is simply the plural for “brook” or “stream.”
In 2014, 1,507 baby boys were named Brooks in the US.., this pushed the ranking of the name to the 245th position. The name is also on the cusp of becoming more popular.
12.Finley
Finley is a good name choice for both girls and boys. Right now, the name is more popular as a girl’s name. It is an Irish name which means, “fair hero.”
The name has a rank of 223 for females and 374 for males. In 2014, 1,498 female babies were named Finley, while 829 male babies were named Finley in the U.S.
Finley as a boys’ name is more popular in England and Scotland. It made the top 200 list in England and Wales in 2013, and Scotland in 2014.
11. Corbin
Corbin is an American name with the meaning of “raven.” In previous centuries, the name Corbin might have been given to boys with dark hair.
In 2014, it ranked high at 203. This means that 1,910 baby boys were named Corbin in the United States that year.
10. Graham
Graham was used as a Scottish surname, which translated to “gravel” plus “homestead” in Old English. Now, the name Graham is quite popular among males in the United States. In fact, this decade has been the most popular for the name.
It currently stands at a rank of 199 for all male newborns in the U.S. In 2014, 2,026 baby boys were named Graham in the U.S. alone.
9. Emerson
Emerson was originally a surname from the Middle Ages that meant, “son of Emery.” It has caught on in popularity due to American poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Surprisingly, Emerson is a more common female name in the United States. In 2014, it ranked No. 196, with 1,670 baby girls receiving the name in the U.S. The boy version of the name is not as popular, but it still ranks at No. 324, with the prediction that it will grow more popular over the next few years.
8. Tucker
Tucker originated as a surname and now sits at No. 176 among baby boys. The name can mean “torment” or “walker.” In the last decade, the name Tucker has become much more popular, with 2,406 baby boys being named Tucker in 2014.
7. Arabella
Arabella is a pretty name that flows off the tongue. The origin of the name has not been determined, though some believe it is altered from the name Annabel.
The name started making its appearance in Scotland and just North of England after the 1600s. The name means “yielding to prayer.” It holds a rank of 174, and in 2014, 1,894 baby girls were named Arabella in the U.S. Arabella is also a popular choice in England. There it made the top 200 list in 2013.
6. Preston
Preston is a popular boys’ name that was originally used as a surname. It translates to “priest” plus “enclosure or settlement” in Old English. The name is trending upward as a boys’ name.
In 2014, it held the rank of 149 for all male newborns. Out of the 2 million boys born in the U.S. in 2014, 2,705 of them were named Preston. Having a girl but still love this name? Preston is not a popular girls’ name, but is still doable. In 2014, 19 baby girls were named Preston.
5. Hudson
Hudson has become a popular boys’ name and was originally used as as surname. It was usually explained as the pet form of Hugh. Hudson can mean “son of Hugh” or “son of a hooded man.”
The ;ast few years have been the most popular for this name. Now it sits at a rank of 80, and in 2014, 5,199 baby boys were named Hudson in the U.S.
4. Hunter
Hunter is a term all of us are familiar with, and the name is taken right from the surname or occupational name. The name is quite popular and ranks in the 40th position for all male newborns.
In 2014, 8,759 baby boys born in the U.S. were named Hunter. The name also made the top 200 list in Scotland and New Zealand in 2014. It is becoming a more popular girl name, as well, and is ranked 766, with 362 newborn girls being named Hunter in 2014.
3. Addison
Addison is a sweet baby girls’ name that means “child of Adam.” In the U.S., it ranks at No. 24. In 2014, 6,950 female newborns were given the name Addison.
Addison also made the top 200 list in New Zealand in 2014 at No. 74. As a boys’ name, Addison is trending downward. The name hit its highest popularity in 1883 ,and was the 381st most common male baby name at the time.
2. Aubrey
Aubrey was a very common name in the Middle Ages, but lost its popularity until recently. It is from a Norman French form of the name Alberic, which originates from Germany. The name means “elf, supernatural being” plus “power.”
The name continues to grow in popularity in the U.S. now. In 2014, it was the 20th most popular name for female babies, and that year 7,589 babies were named Aubrey in the U.S. Aubrey was also a popular boy’s name from 1910 to 1912. However, the name has been declining in popularity as a boys’ name for some time.
1. Harper
Harper is a very popular girls’ name, meaning “harp player.” It is said that the name began to gain popularity after the “To Kill a Mockingbird” author, Harper Lee.
Baby celebrity, Harper Beckham, surely helped with the name’s rating too. In 2014, Harper was the 11th most popular female name for babies in the U.S., with 9,564 baby girls being given the name that year.
Final Thoughts
Based on the popularity and charm of the preppy names listed in your article, it’s evident that the choice of a name for a child is more than just a label. It’s a gateway to identity and, potentially, a predictor of future success.
These names, ranging from the unique and rare to the increasingly popular, offer a glimpse into a world where tradition meets modernity.
The top preppy baby names of 2024, from Harper to Digby, showcase a blend of sophistication, heritage, and distinctiveness. Each name carries its own story and cultural significance, embodying qualities of strength, wisdom, and ambition.
Whether it’s the literary allure of Harper, the aristocratic tone of Aubrey, or the distinctive character of Digby, these names are not just monikers but symbols of potential and personality.
Choosing a name like Addison, Thompson, or any of the others on this list might not guarantee a spot in an Ivy League school, but it certainly sets a tone of elegance and expectation.
These names, deeply rooted in history and culture, reflect an aspirational lifestyle and a promise of greatness. They are a testament to the enduring appeal of the preppy aesthetic, resonating with values of success, tradition, and a touch of exclusivity.
As parents ponder the perfect name for their newborn, these preppy choices offer a blend of style and substance, a nod to both heritage and the hopes for a bright future.
In the end, a name is more than just a word; it’s the first gift a parent gives to their child, a lifelong companion and a crucial part of their identity.