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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. And, you know what, it’s an advantage? It’s clearly pink. 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’.
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?
5. Serena
The Latin name Serena may mean ‘peaceful’, but the name packs a powerful punch. Thank the tennis superstar Serena Williams for that.
6. Poppy
Poppy is an endearing and polished floral moniker that’s being used as a female name since the 19th century. The name topped the Wales and England baby name list in the year 2013.
7. Bunny
Bunny is a cutesy name ideal for someone who aspires to be a homecoming or club queen. Typically preppy, you see!
8. Catherine
Catherine is of the oldest and most used baby names with a variety of nicknames and variations like Katherine, Kathryn and much more. But we think that Catherine is the gentlest and the most aristocratic feminine name of all the variations.
9. Ellison
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Ellison started as a male name, but became popular in the United States as a female name. 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.
10. Buffy
Before the hit television series, “Buffy the Vampire”, the name Buffy was strictly reserved for the country-club set. 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. Unlike the classic moniker Betsy, Bitsy would work best on a preppy and petite girl.
12. Taylor
In the late 90s, 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, sitting well on the top 200 list. The name Blair is gaining momentum in the United States right too. It has climbed over 200 spots since the year 2012.
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’.
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.
16. Sterling
Meaning ‘little star,’ Sterling would make a perfect 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.
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.
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’.
20. Amelia
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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’.
21. Caroline
This feminine variation of Charles is a perennial classic. It has been in the top 100 since 1994, which is pretty impressive for a preppy name.
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’.
23. Helena
Helena is the dainty and refined and delicate version of Helen, a Shakespearean favorite. Historically, Helena was Constantine, the Great’ mother.
24. Addison
Addison is a distinguished lovely baby girl name, meaning ‘child of Adam.’ It’s a classy name with an appealing ring to it.
25. Victoria
The name Victoria is an embodiment of cultured refinement and gentility. It reminds of the longest reigning British queen. The name managed to breach to the top 20 in the year 1995 and still ranks number 19.
26. Ainsley
Ainsley is an adorable name and means ‘one’s own meadow.’ The name originated as a Scottish surname, but now stands strong on its own.
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
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Buckley is an English name, meaning ‘deer meadow.’ The name has not yet made it to the top 1000 baby name list but was given to 120 children last year, which is a new record. Buck would make the best nickname for Buckley.
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. 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.
31. Digby
Digby is a unique 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, 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.
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. And just 14 babies were named Macalister last year, making it one of the least familiar names on the list.
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.
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.
37. Whitaker
This one is slightly unusual for a preppy name but can be considered. It translates to ‘white field’ or ‘wheat field’.
38. Aldrich
Here’s a preppy name with a strong meaning behind it. Originating in Germany and England, Aldrich means ‘noble or wise ruler.’
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
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Darcy is our favorite. 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.’
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. Since just eight babies were named Ingram in the United States, it will make a unique name for your child.
42. Connery
Connery is another 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’.
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. Meaning ‘son of Tom,’ 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.
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?
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 moniker for a boy who wants to be the center of attraction.
Quick fact49. Orson
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Orson is a French-Norman nickname, translating into ‘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 names with a silver screen charm from the famous action Spencer Tracy. Kelsey Grammer used this name for her daughter.
51. Niles
Rhyming with Miles, Niles is an exclusive English name, meaning ‘champion. The name was most used in the 1940, reaching its peak as the 886th spot.
52. Pierpont
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
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 do 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!
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