Preppy Names
- Padget
Origin:
English and French variation of PageMeaning:
"page, attendant"Description:
This unusual offshoot of Page is one of the undiscovered unique baby names, with lots of energy and charm. Actress Paget Brewster, star of Criminal Minds, presents another spelling possibility. She comes from a family of unique names--her mother is Hathaway, her father Galen.
- Arlen
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"hare land"Description:
Arlen might be thought of as an update on the midcentury Arlene or as a unisex surname-name. Arlen was given to 22 girls in the US last year vs 57 boys and those numbers may grow with the fashion for n-ending two-syllable surname-names. Another similar possibility for girls: Arden.
- Delancey
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"from Lancey"Description:
This is an energetic dance of an Irish surname, great for both genders. Could also be spelled Delancy.
- Hathaway
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"one who lives near the heath"Description:
Before there was esteemed actress Anne Hathaway, there was Anne Hathaway, wife of Shakespeare — the former being named after the latter.
- Jentry
Origin:
Spelling variation of Gentry, EnglishMeaning:
"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..
- Garrison
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Garret"Description:
As Harrison is to Harry, Garrison is to Gary: both of the longer versions sound more modern and appealing. NPR's Prairie Home Companion's Garrison Keillor was born Gary.
- 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.
- Haines
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"the vined cottage"Description:
A preppy surname of hidden German origin that would fit right in with currently trendy s-ending boy names like Brooks.
- Fairbanks
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"bank along the pathway"Description:
Alaska's second most populous city makes a baby name with a preppy, even aristocratic, flavor.
- Sargent
Origin:
Spelling variation of Sergeant, LatinMeaning:
"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.
- Booth
Origin:
English and ScottishMeaning:
"small dwelling place, shed"Description:
Short but not particularly sweet surname.
- Kimball
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"warrior chief"Description:
Now that Kimberly is no longer one of the top girl names, Kim or long form Kimball feel more gender neutral.
- Mccarthy
Origin:
Irish surnameMeaning:
"son of Cárthach"Description:
McCarthy is one of the most common Irish surnames, all fair game as first names for American babies, especially baby girls!
- Harding
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of the courageous one"Description:
For fans of Warren G. All two of them.
- Schuyler
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"scholar"Description:
Originally a Dutch surname, imported by the early Dutch colonists, has been all but overpowered by the phonetic spellings in the US -- Skyler for boys and Skylar for girls. With the surnames-as-first-names trend, however, and the popularity of the Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton, which features the Schuyler sisters, perhaps Schuyler might receive some more interest in the coming years.
- Hutchinson
Description:
Hutchinson is primarily known as a surname derived from the medieval given name Hugh, with the suffix "-kin" (diminutive) and "-son," meaning "son of little Hugh." As a first name, it represents the trend of using family surnames as given names, which became popular in English-speaking countries in the 19th and 20th centuries. The practice often honored maternal family lines or important family connections. Hutchinson as a first name has always been extremely rare. It carries a formal, distinguished quality and would likely be shortened to more casual forms like "Hutch" in everyday use. The name conveys a sense of heritage and tradition, appealing to parents looking for a substantial name with built-in nickname options.
- Yardley
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"wood clearing"Description:
Yardley, a surname redolent of British soaps and perfume, was used for her daughter by Megyn Kelly.
- Faulkner
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Greeley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Carrington
Origin:
English, Scottish surnameMeaning:
"from Carrington"Description:
This habitational surname works as a modern way to honor a Carrie, Carolyn, or Caroline.