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Preppy Prep School Names

  1. 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.

  2. Porter

    • Origin:

      English from French occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. 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.
  4. Pawling
    • Peddie
      • Roxbury

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "rook's town or fortress"

        • Description:

          The x gives it some modern cool, but the bury part buries it.
      • Riverdale
        • Spence

          • Origin:

            Short form of Spencer

          • Description:

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

            • Origin:

              English

            • Meaning:

              "building site"

            • Description:

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

            • Origin:

              Latin

            • Meaning:

              "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.
          • Winsor

            • Description:

              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.
          • Westminster