College Baby Names

Can be used as a middle name to honor Dad or Grandpa David.

This uppity name has been a fast climber in recent years, but we still think it's a bit much. Even abroad, where the connection to the prestigious university will be weaker, any name beginning with "Prince" will sound pretentious.

Emmanual is a variant spelling of Emmanuel, a masculine name derived from the Hebrew 'Immanuel,' meaning 'God is with us.' This name carries significant religious importance in Christianity, appearing in both the Old and New Testaments, most notably as a prophetic name for Jesus Christ in the Book of Isaiah. The spelling Emmanual, with the 'a' and 'u' transposed, emerged as an alternative form, though less common than the traditional Emmanuel or the shortened Manuel. The name has been used consistently throughout Christian countries for centuries, with peaks in popularity often corresponding to periods of religious revival. Its spiritual significance and melodious sound have ensured its enduring appeal across many cultures.

With Yale and Brown in the mainstream, why not this upscale college name and surname as well.

Carleton has a great meaning behind it, and should really have more popularity than it has found to date. You can shorten it to Carl or keep it upscale and formal in the longer form. Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk lends the name some sporty credentials, while American artist Carleton Wiggins confirms this name's Victorian earnestness.

Even if you're a loyal alumnus, consider something less ultraupright, like Yale or Cal.

Columbia is a rarely used name with many associations. From the eighteenth century it has been used as a female personification of the United States, often appearing as a flag-draped patriotic figure. And as such it's inspired a plethora of place and company names, from the District of Columbia to Columbia University to Columbia Records, and songs like "Columbia, Gem of the Ocean." A character called Columbia appears in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Name of pastoral Vermont town and college sounds too stiff and starchy.