Preppy Prep School Names
By vintageluvs
Updated Thu May 25 2023
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- Brooks
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"of the brook"Description:
A nature name, a word name, and a surname name, Brooks has plenty of cool factor. It gives off cowboy vibes and a sporty feel, while also maintaining a smart, collected image.
- Lawrence
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"from Laurentium or bay laurel"Description:
Lawrence has survived from Roman times, when Laurentium was a city noted for its laurel trees (the laurel is a symbol of wisdom and achievement). It was in the Top 50 from the 1890s through the 1950s and the Top 100 for decades longer, always among the most popular boys' names starting with L, but Lawrence is now used less for babies than Landon or Lorenzo.
- Trinity
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"triad"Description:
A name that feels both spiritual and trendy, Trinity surged up the charts in the early 2000s, following the release of The Matrix. In just two years, it made an impressive jump from the latter end of the charts to the US Top 100, where it remained for more than a decade.
- Porter
Origin:
English from French occupational nameMeaning:
"doorkeeper or carrier"Description:
It may surprise you to know that surname name Porter was fairly popular in the US in the 19th and early 20th centuries, then went underground for 40 years only to reemerge at the turn of this century and climb the ladder again.
- Kent
Origin:
English surname and place-nameMeaning:
"edge"Description:
Kent is a no-nonsense, brief, brisk one-syllable name, almost as curt as Kurt.
- Dalton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"the settlement in the valley"Description:
Dalton is a name with multi-faceted appeal. Many are attracted to the name's resemblance to other two-syllable n-ending favorites: Colton, Holden, and cousins. Others see it as a trendy Western name, recalling the legendary Dalton Brothers gang. It also has something of an upscale, preppy feel connected to the exclusive New York private school.
- Milton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"settlement with a mill"Description:
Once an upper-class British surname conjuring up the epic poetry of John Milton, it then descended to the antics of "Uncle Miltie" Berle, and now has left the stage completely.
- Hewitt
Origin:
English, Scottish, and Irish surnameMeaning:
"descendant of Hugh; one who lives near the wood clearing"Description:
Modern way to honor an ancestral Hugh.
- Newton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"new town"Description:
Named after Isaac. Or Wayne.
- Branson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of the raven"Description:
Branson is a fairly recent addition to the Top 1000, first breaking in at Number 988 in 1995. While it may not be a common sighting yet, it fits the trend of more popular cousins Mason, Grayson, Hudson, and Carson.
- Brewster
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"female brewer"Description:
With its slightly cocky feel, this well-used surname is not often heard as a first.
- Cate
Origin:
English diminutive of CatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Time was, even C-starting Catherines who called themselves Kate spelled it with a K, but Cate Blanchett changed all. Cate is now as acceptable as (but not as well used as) Kate. Cait might be short for Caitlin.
- 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.
- Chapin
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"clergyman"Description:
An undiscovered last-name-first option.
- Princeton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Taft
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"building site"Description:
A solid, brief but not brusque single-syllable surname with a presidential pedigree.
- Oxford
Origin:
English place-nameMeaning:
"from the oxen crossing"Description:
High-collared and straightlaced, with the deadly "Ox" nickname.
- Roxbury
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"rook's town or fortress"Description:
The x gives it some modern cool, but the bury part buries it.
- Spence
Origin:
Short form of SpencerDescription:
Spence is occasionally used as a name all on its own and it has more of a sense of completeness than many nickname-names.
- Concord
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"harmony, peaceful coexistence"Description:
With its ties to tranquil Walden Pond, and harmonious meaning, this could be a modern virtue name. It may also make people think of Concorde, the supersonic airliner plane, retired back in 2003.
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