Preppy Names
- Bayard
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"russet-haired"Description:
An old English redhead name -- one of the few that doesn't begin with the letter r -- with references both to a famous French knight and a magical horse. Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin is a contemporary bearer of this unusual and evocative name.
- North
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"cardinal direction of north"Description:
A lot of attention was drawn to this name when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced it as the name of their baby daughter, making it instantly unisex.
- Drexel
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"to turn"Description:
Drexel is an occupational surname but the original meaning of what a person who "turned" for a living actually did is unclear: It may mean turning the soil or making hay or spinning cloth or creating decorative objects. With the rise of the similar-sounding Dexter, Drexel might catch on.
- King
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"monarch"Description:
King is a name that sends a mixed message. While some might think of it as more fitting for a canine, others see it as a strong name with offbeat style and a full court of rich associations, from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Elvis.
King Vidor was an important early Hollywood director; King Camp Gillette invented the safety razor.
If it's king names you're after that aren't King itself, see our list of Names with Royal Meanings or other lists and blogs on royal names.
- Winter
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
The girls have dibs on Spring, Summer, and Autumn, leaving this name evocative of snowy landscapes as the one possible seasonal choice for boys. And naturally, it's one of the most obvious names for winter babies.
- Brodie
Origin:
Scottish surnameMeaning:
"little ridge"Description:
This geographic Scottish surname is more often spelled Brody in the US. Both forms have seen decreasing popularity, which may be linked to its association with club-hopping Hills star Brody Jenner.
- Montague
Origin:
Literature, FrenchMeaning:
"pointy hill"Description:
The family name of Shakespeare's Romeo, Montague has a touch of old-fashioned grandeur about it. With clunky-cute nickname Monty and similar sounds to Montgomery, it has been used as a given name since at least the 18th century, with a number of English earls and baronets receiving the name, along with film director, Montague "Monty" Banks, journalist and radio host Montague Modlyn, and cricketer Montague Noble.
- Lovell
Description:
Lovell is a masculine surname-turned-first-name with Anglo-Norman origins. Derived from the Old French 'louvel' meaning 'little wolf,' it was originally a nickname for someone fierce or wolf-like in character. The name entered England after the Norman Conquest and established itself as both a surname and occasional given name. Lovell peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1920s but remains relatively uncommon today. The name carries a sophisticated, gentlemanly quality with its soft consonants and connection to noble medieval families. Some may also appreciate its phonetic resemblance to the word 'love,' giving it a subtly affectionate undertone.
- Keller
Origin:
German occupational nameMeaning:
"cellar master"Description:
Keller is a German surname that originated as an occupational name for a cellar or store master, which seems to be the background of several of the most stylish new German names for boys. One of the stylish new two-syllable -er ending names for boys, Keller is rising up the ranks heading for the Top 1000. It may be an honorific for Helen Keller.
- Ramsey
Origin:
English, ScottishMeaning:
"garlic island"Description:
Tough, cool, and rugged, Ramsey is a Scottish and English surname that has plenty of potential as a given name. Similar in style to Murray, Murphy, and Rafferty, it was chosen for around 90 boys and 70 girls in the US in a recent year.
- Reeves
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"bailiff, sheriff, local official"Description:
Sleek and cool, Reeves is the plural form of the Medieval occupation name, once associated with a local official who enforced feudal obligations, whose role may be equated to that of a sheriff or bailiff. In a recent year, Reeves doubled in popularity when it was given to 67 boys (and 13 girls) compared to 33 the year prior. This may be down to its similarity to Reese and Reid, and to Brooks and Banks.
- Nelson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Neil"Description:
Nelson is a rather stiff and dated surname name that is sometimes used to honor distinguished South African activist Nelson Mandela, as Celine Dion did for one of her twin boys. Other notable associations are with the British Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller, novelist Nelson Algren and movie operetta star Nelson Eddy. It was also the given name of "Rabbit" Angstrom, protagonist of John Updike's series of novels.
- Clifton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"place on a cliff"Description:
A less-used cross between Clifford and Clinton.
- Ellery
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"descendant of Hilary"Description:
Ellery is a rhythmic three-syllable boy's name that is familiar and yet rarely used--and just waiting to be discovered. It's long been identified with Ellery Queen--which was both the pen name of two cousins, Frederic Dannay and Manfred B. Lee, and the detective they created.
- Creighton
Origin:
English and ScottishMeaning:
"hilltop town, rocky place"Description:
One instance where a phonetic spelling might be better.
- Hadley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"heathery field"Description:
Hemingway readers will recognize this as the name of Papa's first wife (and, eventually, actress Mariel's grandmother). But in Victorian times, Hadley and Hedley were actually more popular for boys.
- Lake
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
Evocative modern unisex choice brought into the spotlight by actress Lake Bell.
- Taggart
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of the priest"Description:
Not your typical jovial Irish surname; but has a dark, craggy appeal, and Tag as a nickname.
- Sloan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"raider"Description:
A few decades back, this name -- which hardly shows its Irish roots -- evoked a man in a gray flannel suit; now, though still upscale, it's more likely to be attached to a female.
- 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.
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