Preppy Baby Names

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.

Yale

Yardley, a surname redolent of British soaps and perfume, was used for her daughter by Megyn Kelly.
 Yeardley Smith (born Martha), has long been the voice of Bart on The Simpsons.

Yardley

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.

Phillips

A surname very rarely heard as a first, associated with Hall of Fame basketball star Patrick Ewing and, in the 1980s, the oil-rich Ewing family on the nighttime soap, "Dallas"

Ewing

Brisk, preppy York is an underused classic with the potential to really shine in the 21st century. It's most familiar as a place name — York is a city in England — and surname. New York City and State were named after the Duke of York.
 
The most notable York in history was an enslaved man who was the only Black member of Lewis and Clark's expedition. York was a key member of the journey, skilled in hunting, medicine, and other survival skills. He was also invaluable in Native American diplomacy. At the end of the expedition, Clark denied York's freedom and instead sold him black into slavery.
 
Despite the sad ending to York's story, he is an American hero with a name worthy of consideration.

York

Preppy names are suggestive of the American preppy subculture, associated with generationally wealthy members of the elite who attend Ivy League universities. Preppy style draws from 

, as do preppy baby names. Some of the preppiest baby names are 

 can also read as preppy in the right context. Choices common in the British royal family, such as Victoria and William, feel especially appropriate for a preppy baby.

 include Caroline, Hadley, Sloane, and Tinsley. In addition to Jameson, other 

 include Fletcher, Graham, Harrison, and Reid. Names inspired by preppy institutions include Oxford, Phillips, Princeton, and Yale.

Preppy names may also be inspired by preppy icons, real and fictional. John F. Kennedy and Princess Diana of Wales give their names a preppy sense, as do Holden Caulfield of J.D. Salinger's 

, and Blair Waldorf, a character on the preppy TV show 

If your closet is filled with polo shirts and penny loafers or you like both lacrosse and Lacoste, you may want to consider a preppy baby name. Explore our comprehensive collection below.

Preppy names include classics such as Eleanor and Henry along with surnames such as Rhodes, with meanings, origins, and popularity (Page 14)

Preppy Names