Preppy Prep School Names

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Kent is a no-nonsense, brief, brisk one-syllable name, almost as curt as Kurt.

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.

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.

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.

With its slightly cocky feel, this well-used surname is not often heard as a first.

Madeira is an island off Morocco where the wine comes from. Despite the alcohol association, Madeira has a gorgeous sound.

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.

Named after Isaac. Or Wayne.

Winsor is a masculine name of English origin, derived from a place name meaning 'riverbank with a windlass' (a device used for hoisting or hauling). Most famously associated with Windsor Castle and the British royal family, though with a slight spelling variation. As a first name, Winsor has an aristocratic, distinguished quality that conveys refinement and heritage. It's quite rare as a given name, appealing to parents seeking uncommon names with historical significance. Winsor has never been among popular mainstream names but maintains steady, limited usage. The name suggests sophistication and carries associations with English tradition, making it an elegant choice for those seeking a distinguished yet uncommon name.

An undiscovered last-name-first option.

A solid, brief but not brusque single-syllable surname with a presidential pedigree.

Modern way to honor an ancestral Hugh.

Spence is occasionally used as a name all on its own and it has more of a sense of completeness than many nickname-names.

High-collared and straightlaced, with the deadly "Ox" nickname.