100+ Preppy and Upper-Class Baby Names for Girls and Boys

I enjoy researching baby names and discovering the traditions behind different names.

Take a look at our 100+ preppy baby names for girls and boys, and see if you can find a name that will suit your beautiful future child. Parents often choose preppy first names for their children because these names are usually old-fashioned and denote class and sophistication.

Most of these names are from the Anglo-Saxon tradition and are reminiscent of the Founding Fathers and the Gilded Age upper class. In some parts of the U.S., middle- and upper-class children in the 1800s often had traditional English names such as the ones you see in these lists. Many families carry on this tradition today.

Using Both the First and Middle Names

Consider also the Anglo-Saxon tradition of referring to your child by their first and middle names together instead of noting your child's middle name with just an initial. This two-name tradition was especially common for boys. For example, instead of Dudley E. Smith, you might use the name Dudley Ellsworth Smith. You would use this naming convention in all school records, hospital records, family albums, etc.

And if you use this convention, you can choose two preppy baby names! The two-name convention is as common as upper-class babies having their parents buy them a silver spoon.

The Inspiration Behind Posh Names

Preppy baby names are inspired by many sources. Some babies are named after their ancestors; others are named after English writers, politicians, and historical figures. Another style the upper class sometimes adopts is choosing earthy baby names that are inspired by the beauty of nature and environmentalism.

Preppy Girl Names

Many of these female names pay homage to Western European heritage. So if your ethnic background is English, French, or Nordic, you might find a particular fondness for these names. Other names in this list simply sound quite conservative, which tends to appeal to people with old-fashioned values. You might find a desired first or middle name in this list!

A–I Names

J–Z Names

Preppy Boy Names

There are so many great preppy male names, and chances are you might love more than one of them. Most of these boys' names are Anglo-oriented and will remind you of English aristocracy, wealth, and presidents and authors of America's past. If you can totally imagine your baby boy in a little gentleman's wool three-piece suit or tartan plaid, you will love these names.

A–C Names

E–W Names

This 1800s painting portrays a middle- or upper-class baby with her nanny.

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Preppy Baby Name Poll

Questions & Answers

Question: Is a name like "Luke" preppy?

Answer: I would not say it is traditionally preppy sounding, but it is a classic American boy's name.

Comments

Life and Luxury (author) from South Beach, FL on October 23, 2012:

Thanks ElleBee. As long as your baby has a name that you like, that's all that matters.

ElleBee on October 23, 2012:

I like a lot of old fashioned baby names, but never really specifically thought of them as preppy. I'm not sure if their "preppy" association makes me like the names more or like them less.