Preppy Names

  1. Oxford
    • Origin:

      English place-name
    • Meaning:

      "from the oxen crossing"
    • Description:

      High-collared and straightlaced, with the deadly "Ox" nickname.
  2. Phillips
    • Description:

      Phillips originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Philip' and has transitioned into occasional use as a masculine given name. The name Philip itself comes from Greek elements meaning 'lover of horses.' As a first name, Phillips maintains its connection to this heritage while having a distinctive surname feel that follows the trend of using family names as first names. While not among the most common given names, Phillips has a formal, distinguished quality that appeals to some parents. It offers the friendly nickname options of Phil or Flip, providing versatility. The name connotes stability, tradition, and a certain professional quality that can serve well throughout life.

  3. 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.
  4. Fairbanks
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "bank along the pathway"
    • Description:

      Alaska's second most populous city makes a baby name with a preppy, even aristocratic, flavor.
  5. Latham
    • Origin:

      English from Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "the barn"
    • Description:

      This familiar surname with a surprising meaning could be added to your list of undiscovered 'last names first' names.
  6. 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.
  7. Niels
    • Origin:

      Danish variation of Nicholas; Dutch diminutive of Cornelius
    • Description:

      Gives middle-aged Neil a new lease on life.
  8. Yale
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "fertile upland"
    • Description:

      An appellation that couldn't be more Ivy League or sound less Welsh. The name of the University is taken from the surname of college benefactor Elihu Yale. In the movie Manhattan, Yale Pollack is the name of Woody Allen's best friend. The Hebrew Yael is not related.
  9. 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.

  10. Booth
    • Origin:

      English and Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "small dwelling place, shed"
    • Description:

      Short but not particularly sweet surname.
  11. Tandy
    • Origin:

      Native American
    • Meaning:

      "flower"
    • Description:

      Fresher sounding than Mandy or Brandy, but Thandie might be a more original way to go.
  12. Haines
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. 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.
  14. Rivers
    • Origin:

      Nature name and surname, English
    • Meaning:

      "rivers"
    • Description:

      The name Rivers combines two major trends: nature names like the popular River itself, and S-ending surname-names such as Brooks, Rhodes, and yes, Rivers.
  15. Mccarthy
    • Origin:

      Irish surname
    • Meaning:

      "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!
  16. Princeton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "princely town"
    • Description:

      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.
  17. Harding
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of the courageous one"
    • Description:

      For fans of Warren G. All two of them.
  18. Stanton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "stony town"
    • Description:

      Seems to stand at attention and salute.
  19. Delancey
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "from Lancey"
    • Description:

      This is an energetic dance of an Irish surname, great for both genders. Could also be spelled Delancy.
  20. Powell
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Howell"
    • Description:

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