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The term “preppy” is popular in American culture and refers to attending an Ivy League School or dressing like upper-class folks. So, if you want that fancy life and aesthetic for your little one, this list of preppy baby names is for you. These names evoke a sense of sophistication and timelessness associated with upper-class elegance and an affluent lifestyle. Most of these preppy names include the traditional ones making a comeback and a few modern monikers designed for this era. These names are trendy and sophisticated to fit the preppy image. Take a look at them to find the right pick.
Key Pointers
- Preppy is a stylish and luxurious lifestyle associated with attending Ivy League schools or dressing in upper-class fashion.
- Some preppy girl names are Blythe, Tilly, Scarlett, Plum, Serena, Poppy, Bunny, Catherine, Ellison, and Bitsy.
- Preppy boy names include Buckley, Royce, Digby, Pierce, Brooks, Blaine, Whitaker, Aldrich, Yates, and Darcy.
- Many preppy names have profound meanings, such as Blythe, cheerful; Sterling, little star; and Audrey, noble strength.
- Some names, like Ingram, Teague, and Connery, offer unique and less common choices for parents seeking distinctive preppy names for their children.
53 Awesome Preppy Baby Names
Preppy baby names have a sense of antiquated charm. These names may be dated, but their elegance and class make parents favor them to this day. Explore our curated list of preppy girl and boy names to find the right inspiration for your child’s name.
Cute Preppy Girl Names
Preppy girl names range from sophisticated choices like Catherine and Amelia to unique, old-fashioned names like Blair and Arabella. If these names tickle your fancy, go through the following and choose a stylish name for your daughter.
1. Blythe
The name Blythe embodies a carefree and cheerful spirit, making it a part of other lighthearted names like Hilary and Felicity. Its crisp, sophisticated sound gives it a distinct preppy charm. And, you know what? It’s clearly pink. Blythe comes from an Old English surname signifying ‘cheerful.’ Blythe is also the middle name of Drew Barrymore.
2. Tilly
Here’s a cute and preppy name for your daughter. There are several origins of this name. Some believe that this name originates from French and means ‘mighty in war.’ Others say that it came from a German word meaning ‘strength in battle.’ You can use Tilly as a pet name for Natalie or Matilda.
3. Scarlett
You will most probably find preppy Scarlett hanging out at the country club or marina. In a Margaret Mitchell novel, Scarlett was the name of the main character’s grandmother. But its most popular namesake is Scarlett Johansson. The meaning of this English name is ‘red’. Scarlett has consistently ranked among the top 1000 girl names in the US since 1992 (1).
4. Plum
Everybody lost their mind when Gwyneth Paltrow named her daughter Apple, but as you move a few fruits down the aisle, you will find the delicious Plum, which is considered a swanky, upper-class British name. Remember the famous author Plum Sykes? Plum comes from the Old English plume, meaning ‘plum’ or ‘plum tree.’
5. Serena
The Latin name Serena may mean ‘peaceful’, but the name packs a powerful punch. Thank the tennis superstar Serena Williams for that. Borne by Saint Serena of Rome and featured in Edmund Spenser’s poem The Faerie Queene, the name exudes a refined, cultured elegance that makes it unmistakably preppy.
6. Poppy
Poppy is an endearing and polished floral moniker that’s being used as a female name since the 19th century. Derived from the word for the vibrant red flower, it fits perfectly with a preppy name.
7. Bunny
Bunny is a shortened form of Berenice, the Latinized version of the Greek name Berenike, which translates to ‘bringing victory.’ Bunny is a cutesy name ideal for someone who aspires to be a homecoming or club queen. Typically preppy, you see!
8. Catherine
Catherine means ‘pure’ and is one of the oldest and most used baby names with a variety of nicknames and variations like Katherine, and Kathryn. But we think Catherine is the gentlest and the most aristocratic feminine name of all the variations, making it a quintessential preppy name. A famous bearer of this name is Catherine the Great, Russia’s longest-ruling female empress (2).
9. Ellison
Ellison started as a male name, but became popular in the US as a female name (1). The meaning of Ellison is ‘son of Elder’. While it’s totally up to you whom you would want to bestow this on, we think it would suit baby girls more. Its polished and sophisticated sound makes it a perfect preppy name.
10. Buffy
Before the hit television series Buffy the Vampire, the name Buffy was strictly reserved for the country-club set, making it a preppy name. Today, Buffy can be anyone, a comic book fan or a young girl in a tennis sweater.
11. Bitsy
Bitsy is the short form of Elizabeth meaning ‘my God is an oath.’ Unlike the classic moniker Betsy, Bitsy would work best on a preppy and petite girl.
12. Taylor
Taylor comes from an English surname meaning ‘tailor,’ derived from Norman French tailleur and Latin taliare, signifying ‘to cut.’ In the late 1990s, the brisk and clean Taylor swept in the wave of the gender-switching name. It is now regarded as one of the most stylish girl names.
13. Blair
From the Gossip Girl to the Facts of Life, Blair is the ultimate preppy girl name. In Wales and England, Blair is extremely popular for girls. The name Blair is gaining momentum in the US too—it has been in the top 1000 baby names for girls since 1980 and top 500 since 2018 (1).
14. Audrey
The preppy name Audrey has been rising the list due to its connection with the classic Hollywood actress, Audrey Hepburn. Celebrities like Steve Zahn, Greg Kinnear, and Faith Hill used this name for their daughters. The meaning of Audrey is ‘noble strength’. Audrey was also the nickname of St. Etheldreda, a 7th century saint and East Anglian princess who founded Ely Monastery (3).
15. Courtney
This name conjures the image of a well-bred girl with slick, long hair, wearing knee socks and penny loafers. Even the incredible Courtney Love could not remove the preppiness of this name. Courtney comes from an English aristocratic surname linked to the French place name Courtenay or a Norman nickname denoting ‘short nose.’
16. Sterling
Meaning ‘little star,’ Sterling would make a perfect preppy name for the apple of your eyes. The name Sterling is the American variation of Stirling, coming from the Middle English word sterling.
Did you know?17. Sloane
Sloane is a perfect name for a preppy girl. The origin of this name is fascinating. It is a variation of Sloan, connected to Sloane Square, where the young and fashionable upper-class women were likely to reside. It also comes from the Irish surname O Sluaghadhán, denoting ‘descendant of Sluaghadhán,’ a diminutive of Sluaghadh, which signifies ‘expedition’ or ‘raid.’
18. Reed
Reed is another preppy name used mostly as a surname for centuries. The name comes from an Old English word, meaning ‘red’ and was often given to women with ruddy complexion or red hair. Reed is a unisex name but is more commonly used for boys in the US (1).
19. Arabella
This lovely name just flows off the tongue. We’re not quite sure about its origin. Some say it’s the altered form of Annabel. The meaning of Arabella is ‘yielding to prayer’. A notable figure with this name is Arabella Weir, a Scottish comedian, actress, and writer known for her work on The Fast Show.
20. Amelia
This lovely Victorian name is a great alternative to Amanda or Emily. It emerged as the top English name in the year 2011. The meaning of Amelia is ‘work’. A famous bearer of this name is Amelia Mary Earhart, a pioneering American aviator.
21. Caroline
This feminine variation of Charles is a perennial classic. The name Charles was first used by upper-class English families to pay tribute to Charles I and his son Charles II of England. The name Caroline has been in the top 100 girl names in the US since 1994 (1).
22. Harper
Harper is a chic and fashionable preppy name for baby girls. It jumped from obscurity to the top of the popularity list in less than a decade. The meaning of Harper is ‘harp player’. American author Harper Lee who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird is a popular namesake.
23. Helena
Helena, a delicate and refined version of Helen and a Shakespearean favorite, exudes preppy charm. The name Helena means ‘torch,’ ‘corposant,’ or ‘moon.’ It was borne by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, who is said to have discovered the True Cross in Jerusalem (4).
24. Addison
Addison is a distinguished lovely baby girl name, meaning ‘child of Adam.’ It’s a classy preppy name with an appealing ring to it. This name was given to the character Addison Montgomery from the TV series Grey’s Anatomy.
25. Victoria
The name Victoria signifies ‘victory’ and was the name of the Roman goddess of victory (5). It is an embodiment of cultured refinement and gentility. It reminds of the longest reigning British queen. The name has ranked in the top 1,000 baby names since 1900 and has been in the US top 50 since 1987 (1).
26. Ainsley
Ainsley is an adorable preppy name and means ‘one’s own meadow.’ The name originated as a Scottish surname, but now stands strong on its own. In the US, this name gained popularity in 2000 after a character with this name appeared on the TV series The West Wing.
Cool Preppy Boy Names
Most preppy boy names have been around for a while and have historical and cultural significance. While some have fallen out of favor, like Buckley or Royce, others are still quite popular, like Channing and Pierce. If you like their vibe, check out the list of preppy boy names and choose the most suitable one for your son.
27. Wilder
Wilder means ‘wild,’ which is the essence of a preppy baby name. It has a sense of adventure and spiritedness while still maintaining a chic vibe. It brings to mind Billy Wilder and Thornton, the two most famous bearers of this name.
28. Buckley
Buckley is an English name, meaning ‘deer meadow.’ Buck would make the best nickname for Buckley. Buckley is also a surname of Irish and English origin, commonly found in Ireland, England, Canada, and the US. Buckley’s refined sound gives it a distinctly preppy appeal.
29. Saxon
The name Saxon once referred to ‘someone from Saxony,’ the modern-day northwest Germany. The name is derived from a kind of knife that they liked, so it has a fierce meaning ‘knife.’ Saxon has a high society feel and is rooted in history, making it one of the most stylish boy names out there.
30. Royce
Even Bentley is associated with the luxury car, but does not sound as preppy as Royce does. The famous preppy bearer of this name is Nehemiah Royce, the early settler of Connecticut. The house he built on Wallingford is a part of the campus of elite prep school Choate Rosemary Hall. Royce is a variant of Rose, meaning ‘famous type.’
31. Digby
Digby is a unique preppy baby name derived from an Old Norse surname. It means ‘settlement’ or ‘ditch,’ whichever you want to believe. The name is so rare that just four baby names were named Digby in the year 2009.
32. Pierce
Pierce sounds more like a foreign name, but it’s actually medieval. It’s a surname derived from Piers meaning ‘stone,’ but is used commonly as a first name. Pierce is a preppy name extraordinaire. So by opting for this name, you could be honoring your loved one named Peter. This name gradually gained popularity in the US in 1982 when actor Pierce Brosnan starred in the series Remington Steele.
33. Macalister
Mac is the tough guy name. It can be the name of a cabbie, a boxer or a bartender in the rough part of the town. But Macalister is quintessentially preppy. It is a rakish spin on the buttoned-down name. Macalister is a form of Gaelic surname which means ‘son of Alisdair.’
34. Crosby
The name Crosby works on so many levels. The name is a bit buttoned-down, yet has an appealing edge. Crosby may have been borrowed from Scotland and England, but its roots are Norse. It comes from a surname originating from an English town meaning ‘cross town’ in Old Norse. Its association with Bing Crosby gives it a distinctly preppy charm.
35. Brooks
Unlike the trendy Brooklyn and elegant Brooke, Brooks seems to be stuck in the preppy club in 1952. It is an English name and means ‘a small stream.’ The most popular bearer of this name is Henry Brooks, the preppy who opened up his haberdashery in New York City in 1818.
36. Blaine
Blain is a slick and powerful Gaelic name, meaning ‘yellow’ or ‘slender.’ It brings to the mind a rich and wealthy child cruising around his university campus in his convertible. A notable bearer of this name is Blaine Gabbert, an American football quarterback.
37. Whitaker
This one is slightly unusual for a preppy name but can be considered. It translates to ‘white field’ or ‘wheat field’. Forest Whitaker, an American actor, filmmaker, and activist, is a popular namesake.
38. Aldrich
Here’s a preppy name with a strong meaning behind it. Originating in Germany and England, Aldrich means ‘noble or wise ruler.’ Aldrich is a variation of Aldric, the name of Saint Aldric, a 9th-century bishop of Le Mans (6).
39. Yates
This Middle English surname was given to people residing near the towns or gates or people who worked as gatekeepers. It’s a great name for people looking for a stand-out preppy name for their son.
40. Darcy
Darcy is our favorite as it exudes a sophisticated, preppy charm. It’s the surname of the main character in Jane Austen’s famous novel “Pride and Prejudice”. Darcy is an Irish name, meaning ‘from the fortress.’ Darcy also comes from an English surname referring to someone from Arcy in La Manche, France.
41. Ingram
Ingram comes from a Swedish word, which translates to ‘Ing’, the moniker of the Norse God of peace and fertility and ‘raven’. The name is full of personality and intelligence and has an old-world appeal.
42. Connery
Connery is another preppy and graceful name that’s not heard very often but makes a statement nonetheless. It’s a great spin-off from the famous name, Connor. The meaning of this Irish name is ‘warrior-lord’. Connery is also a surname with Actor Sean Connery as a well-known bearer.
43. Bronwyn
Bronwyn is an English name, meaning ‘white or fair breast.’ This is perhaps the primary reason why parents shy away from this preppy name.
44. Thompson
Not the most uncommon poised name, but definitely preppy. It means ‘son of Tom’ or ‘son of Thomas.’ Thomas is one of the apostles in the New Testament (7). Thompson saw its peak of popularity in the late 19th century.
45. Teague
Teague is a slightly unusual baby name, rhyming with ‘league’. It’s an Irish name, meaning ‘philosopher or poet,’ making it fit perfectly into the preppy theme. Teague is a variant of Tadhg, a name from Irish mythology belonging to the grandfather of Fionn mac Cumhaill.
46. Cornell
Now that’s what we call a quintessential preppy name. Naming your son after the Ivy League college would probably give him an edge on getting accepted as a fresher, isn’t it? Cornell comes from Cornelius, a centurion in the New Testament who, guided by an angel, sought Peter and became the first gentile convert to Christianity (8).
47. Vance
Vance is a preppier and more unusual alternative to the familiar name Lance. The name originates in England and means ‘marshland’. This moniker reached the peak of its popularity in the year 1970 and is showing signs of revival too!
48. Channing
Glitzy and glamorous, Channing is an excellent preppy name for a boy who wants to be the center of attraction.
Quick fact49. Orson
Orson is a preppy French-Norman nickname, which translates to ‘bear cub’. The most popular bearer of this name is Orson Welles, the “Citizen Kane” director. He dropped his first name George in favor of the name Orson.
50. Spencer
Even though Spencer is not as popular as it was in the 1990s, it still sounds immensely appealing. It is one of those sweet and charming preppy names with a silver screen charm—remember Spencer Tracy? Kelsey Grammer used this name for her daughter.
51. Niles
Rhyming with Miles, Niles is an exclusive preppy English name meaning ‘champion.’ Niles is also a variant of Neil, meaning ‘fury’ or ‘passion.’ Niles Fitch, an American actor is a popular bearer of this name.
52. Pierpont
Pierpont is derived from Old French pierre, meaning ‘stone,’ and pont, signifying ‘bridge’. Pierpont would make an inspiring name for a future MBA. Did you know that Pierpont is the name of legendary, preppy banker J.P Morgan? He collected some amazing art and amassed a huge fortune. So you can say that culture played a huge role as money in his life.
53. Leighton
Leighton is a variant of Layton, signifying ‘town with a leek garden.’ The feminine ‘Leigh’ in the preppy Layton gives rise to this privileged name, perfect for a stylish debutante, with a huge bank balance, just like the character played by Leighton Meester in “Gossip Girl”.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Illustration: Popular Preppy Baby Names For Boys And Girls
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I choose a preppy baby name?
Look for aesthetic names that sound good and have pleasant meanings. If the name is attached to a fictional character or a famous personality, ensure they are known for their positive traits or have a good reputation. Lastly, ensure the preppy name suits your family name, culture, and tradition.
2. Are preppy baby names gender-specific?
Yes. Most names are either feminine or masculine. However, there are also preppy names that are gender-neutral.
3. Can I combine preppy and non-preppy names for a unique choice?
Yes, you can create a new name by combining two names. However, ensure that it does not sound weird or have a negative connotation in any other language.
4. Do preppy baby names have to sound fancy, or can they be more casual?
If you look at the list above, casual names such as Poppy and Bunny are also considered preppy. So, there is no rule that a preppy name should sound fancy.
5. Can I combine preppy baby names with unique middle names?
Preppy baby names can be combined with unique and unconventional names as long as they have opposing meanings. A middle name that completely contrasts with the preppy first name can make the name combination sound meaningless.
6. What are some unique preppy names that are not commonly used?
Some of the most distinctive preppy baby boy names for boys are Aldrich, Ingram, and Orson. You may consider names like Blythe, Ainsley, and Sloane to make your baby girls stand out.
The word preppy signifies stylish and fancy, and many parents may want that kind of image for their child. So, if you are among those parents who love everything luxurious, you would definitely need preppy baby names to go along with your child’s personality. This article enlists many such elegant baby names along with their beautiful meanings that can help you easily make a pick. So, choose names such as Poppy, Sterling, Plum, and many more, and provide your child with the classy identity you have always wanted.
Infographic: Preppy Baby Girl And Boy Names
Looking for chic baby names that give you a vibe that matches the upper-class and Ivy-leagues? We have the ultimate list of preppy names for you right here. Check out the infographic below for fancy names with a classy vibe. Pick your favorite one for your bundle of joy. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Are you expecting a baby and looking for the perfect name? Check out this video for 5 top tips and tricks to help you pick the perfect baby name!
References
- Baby Names.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - Catherine the Great and the Development of a Modern Russian Sovereignty, 1762-1796.
https://escholarship.org/content/qt6fc7r596/qt6fc7r596_noSplash_65c36bd887ab74dee275df1d8c3386e4.pdf?t=qxd2ke - St. Etheldreda.
https://www.stgregoryoc.org/st-etheldreda/ - St. Helena, Discoverer of the True Cross (250-330) by A.R. Birley.
https://www.brown.edu/Research/Breaking_Ground/bios/St.%20Helena_Flavia%20Julia%20Helena%20Augusta.pdf - Altar of Victory.
https://penelope.uchicago.edu/encyclopaedia_romana/greece/paganism/victoria.html - St. Aldric of Le Mans.
https://spicathedral.org/blog/st-aldric-of-le-mans/ - Biography: St. Thomas the Apostle.
https://www.stapostle.org/st-thomas-church-parish-history/saint-thomas-biography/ - Cornelius’s Vision.
https://www.themoorings.org/Bible_commentary/Acts/chapter_10.html
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