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Preppy Names

  1. Hartford

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "deer ford"

    • Description:

      British habitational surname that calls to mind the Connecticut capital
  2. Jentry

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Gentry, English

    • Meaning:

      "aristocracy"

    • Description:

      Jentry is an upwardly-striving word name that's gaining ground for girls as a new spin on Jennifer or Jenna. If classy is what you're after, a name with a genuine pedigree would serve you better. Others spellings -- Jentri, Jentree, Jentreigh -- abound, presumably for parents who want to use the short form Jen or like Gentry but prefer girl names starting with J..
  3. Thad

    • Origin:

      Short form of Thaddeus or variation of Tad

    • Description:

      Thad is a tad too slight to stand alone as a name, though as a short form of the imposing Thaddeus it's as serviceable as Ted or Ed.
  4. Hamilton

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "treeless hill"

    • Description:

      Unless it runs in your family, or Alexander Hamilton is your particular hero, you might consider something less imposing -- and without the teasable nickname Ham.
  5. Wright

    • Description:

      Wright is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname referring to a craftsman or builder—specifically a woodworker or carpenter (from the Old English "wyrhta," meaning "worker"). As a first name, Wright carries strong traditional and artisanal connotations, suggesting skill, craftsmanship, and creation. It remains relatively uncommon as a given name, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. The name has a strong, concise sound with its single syllable and consonant blend. Those named Wright might appreciate the name's connections to craftsmanship and its subtle suggestion that one can build or create their own path in life. Its surname-as-first-name style also reflects contemporary naming trends.

  6. Powell

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Howell"

    • Description:

      Powerful surname choice with many distinguished bearers, fresher sounding than Parker.
  7. Rutherford

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "cattle ford"

    • Description:

      Stuffy presidential choice: consider Hayes instead.
  8. Missy

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Melissa

    • Description:

      A name that works until your daughter is, say, six.
  9. Hollister

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "dweller by the holly tree"

    • Description:

      Familiar English surname now associated with the Abercrombie & Fitch offshoot.
  10. Rawlings

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "son of Raul"

    • Description:

      Rawlings was a surname brought to England with the Norman invasion and has ties to the name Raul, which means "wolf counsel."
  11. Oxford

    • Origin:

      English place-name

    • Meaning:

      "from the oxen crossing"

    • Description:

      High-collared and straightlaced, with the deadly "Ox" nickname.
  12. Booth

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "small dwelling place, shed"

    • Description:

      Short but not particularly sweet surname.
  13. Skipper

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "captain"

    • Description:

      Barbie's little sister, and like Barbie, Skipper is one of many Kindercore names — evoking nostalgia through beloved childhood characters — that is getting more attention. Skipper debuted in the US charts in 2022.
  14. Laughlin

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dweller at the fjord-land"

    • Description:

      First used for Norse invaders, this name, along with the similar Lachlan, is an attractive, worldly, and unusual choice — despite connections to the Nevada gambling resort.
  15. Faulkner

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "falconer"

    • Description:

      Faulkner is an old occupational surname that was used for someone who kept and trained falcons when falconry was a popular sport in medieval Europe. Anyone using it in contemporary America would probably be honoring Southern novelist William Faulkner. While we love the author, Falconer would probably be a slightly easier name to carry on the playground.
  16. Greeley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "pock-marked, scarred"

    • Description:

      This English surname was originally a nickname for someone with a pock-marked face. It's a less-than-ideal meaning, but Greeley's upbeat sound and modern unisex style keep it on our lists.
  17. Claiborne

    • Origin:

      French, German

    • Meaning:

      "boundary with clover"

    • Description:

      Fashion designer Liz Claiborne (born Anne Elizabeth Jane Claiborne) make this name a feminist option for girls. She was a pioneer in her field — Liz Claiborne was the first woman-owned company to make the Fortune 500 list. However, the company that shares her name no longer has the same panache it once did, which may deter some parents from using this otherwise inspiring name.
  18. Caldwell

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "cold stream"

    • Description:

      English place name turned handsome surname name.
  19. Sargent

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Sergeant, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "to serve"

    • Description:

      One of the few military ranks used as a name, as in Kennedy in-law and Peace Corps creator Sargent (born Robert Sargent) Shriver. There's also a more creative, artistic association with painter John Singer Sargent.
  20. Fielder

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "dweller in open country"

    • Description:

      An uncommon surname name with that energetic -er ending. Might appeal especially to baseball fans.