Preppy Baby Names Buck Current Trends; Here Are 100 Great Options for Boys and Girls

Preppy baby names stem from prep-school culture that is associated with Ivy League education and wealth passed down from generation to generation. Preppy names are declining today as new parents favor appellations that showcase individualism and independence. But, for the traditionalists out there, preppy appellations still appeal. What makes a name preppy? In general, names that sound elite that are often found attached to members of the royal family fit in this category, as well as appellations that tend to be handed down in families from one generation to the next.

If you envision a life filled with polo shirts and tennis rackets for your child, we encourage you to read through these preppy baby names that fit the mold. Most of these names are English in origin and have a history of popularity among the upper crust. Discover the perfect name for your child below!

Preppy Names for Girls

A-B Preppy Girl Names

• Arden – A unisex habitational name of English origin, meaning “eagle’s valley”
• Aubrey – A unisex name of English, French, and German origin, meaning “ruler of the elves”
• Barrett – A unisex name more commonly found as a surname, from German, meaning “bear’s strength”
• Blair – Yet another unisex name, a Scottish habitational name, meaning “from the plains”

More Names That Start with B

• Brooke – A name of English origin referring to someone who “lives bear the stream”
• Brynne – A name of Irish origin, meaning “daughter of the sad one”
• Bryony – A nature name of Latin origin, meaning “sprout”
• Buffy – A diminutive form of Elizabeth, of Hebrew origin, meaning “pledged to God”

Preppy Names for Girls Starting with C

• Camila – A name that can be spelled with two L’s or with one, of Latin origin, meaning “ceremonial attendant”
• Caroline – A name of French origin, meaning “free man” or “Frenchman”
• Cassidy – A name of Irish origin, meaning “curly hair”
• Cecily – A female form of Cecil, of Latin origin, meaning “blind”

More Names Beginning with C

• Charlotte – A French, female form of Charles, meaning “free man” or “Frenchman”
• Claiborne – A unisex name of French and German origin, meaning “gate by clover”
• Clemence – A form of the name Clement, of Latin origin, meaning “merciful”
• Claire – A French name of Latin origin, meaning “clear”

There’s More!

• Colby – A unisex name of English origin, a habitational appellation meaning “from the coal mining town”
• Collins – A name of Irish and Scottish origin, meaning “pup”
• Cora – A name of Greek origin, meaning “maiden”
• Courtney – A name of French origin, meaning “from the court” or “short nose”

Preppy Names for Girls Starting with D

• Darby – A name of Irish or Norse origin, meaning “free” or “of the deer manor”
• Darcy – A name of Irish or French origin, meaning “dark” or “from Arcy”
• Delaney – A name of Irish origin, meaning “dark opponent”
• Doris – A name of Greek origin, meaning “gift of the sea”

Names That Start with E

• Edith – A name of English origin, meaning “wealthy in war”
• Eleanor – An English name from French with an unclear meaning
• Elizabeth – A name of Hebrew origin, meaning “pledged to God”
• Elle – A name of French origin, meaning “she”

Preppy Girl Names That Start with F

• Felicity – A virtue name of Latin origin, meaning “good luck”
• Finley – A name of Irish and Scottish origin, meaning “blonde hero”
• Fiona – A name of Scottish origin, meaning “white”
• Frances – A name of French origin, meaning “free man” or “Frenchman”

G-H Names

• Georgette – A French, diminutive form of George, of Greek origin, meaning “farmer”
• Georgina – Another diminutive form of George, also meaning “farmer”
• Hadley – An English habitational name for someone living near a “field of heather”
• Harper – An English occupational name for a “player of the harp”

J-K Names

• Jane – An English feminine form of John, from Hebrew, meaning “God is merciful”
• Kate – A short form of Kathryn, of Greek origin, meaning “pure”
• Kathryn – A name of Greek origin, meaning “pure”
• Kennedy – A name of Irish origin meaning “malformed head”

L-P Names

• Laura – A name of Latin origin, meaning “bay” or “laurel”
• Marlowe – A unisex name of English origin, meaning “driftwood”
• Meredith – A unisex name of Welsh origin, meaning “grand chief”
• Paige – An English occupational name for someone who is a “page to a noble”

Final Preppy Girl Names

• Piper – An English occupational name for a “flutist” or “pipe player”
• Rebecca – A name of Hebrew origin, meaning “to bind”
• Tabitha – A name of Aramaic origin, meaning “gazelle”
• Victoria – A name of Latin origin, meaning “victory”

RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Traditional Girl Names

Preppy Names for Boys

A-B Preppy Names for Boys

• Adrian – A unisex name of Greek origin, meaning “from Adria”
• Augustine – An English name of Latin origin, meaning “magnificent”
• Beau – A name of French origin, meaning “handsome”
• Benton – An English habitational name, meaning “bentgrass pen”

B-C Names for Boys

• Brooks – An English habitational name for “someone who lives near a stream”
• Caldwell – A name of English origin, meaning “of the cold creek”
• Carlton – A name of English origin, meaning “town of free men”
• Chet – A name of English origin, a short form of Chester, meaning “fortress”

D-E Preppy Boy Names

• Dalton – An English habitational name for someone “from the town in the valley”
• Davis – A name derived from David of Hebrew origin, meaning “beloved”
• Dean – An occupational name of English origin, meaning “leader of the church”
• Emmett – A name of English, German, and Hebrew origin, meaning “truth” or “universal”

F-G Names

• Forrest – An English habitational name for “someone who lives in or near the woods”
• Franklyn – An English name that means “freeholder of land”
• George – A name of Greek origin, meaning “farmer”
• Grant – A name of Scottish and French origin, meaning “big”

G-H Names

• Gregory – An occupational name of Greek origin, meaning “alert” or “watcher”
• Hale – An English habitational name for “someone who lives in/near a hollow”
• Harris – A name of English origin, meaning “son of Harry”
• Henry – An English name from German, meaning “manor ruler”

Preppy Names for Boys Starting with H

• Holden – An English habitational name for “someone who lives in/near a hollow valley”
• Hollis – An English habitational name for “someone who lives in/near the holly bushes”
• Hudson – A name of English origin, meaning “son of Hugh”
• Hugh – An English name from German, meaning “of the mind”

I-J Names

• Ives – An English name from French, meaning “yew”
• Jack – A name of English origin, a form of John, meaning “God is gracious”
• James – A name of Hebrew origin, meaning “supplanter”
• Jameson – A name of English origin, meaning “son of James”

K-L Names

• Kellen – A name of German and Irish origin, meaning “swamp” or “slender”
• Kip – An American short form of Christopher, a name from Latin and Greek that means “bearer of Christ”
• Knox – A habitational name of Scottish origin, meaning “from the round hill”
• Lachlan – A name of Scottish origin, meaning “of the land of the fjords”

L-M Appellations

• Langston – A name of English origin, meaning “town of tall men”
• Louis – A name of French and German origin, meaning “famed warrior”
• Mac – A name of Irish and Scottish origin, meaning “son of”
• Malcolm – A name of Scottish origin, meaning “follower of St. Colomba”

M-Q Names

• Miles – An English name from Milo, meaning “soldier” or “compassionate”
• Phillip – A name of Greek origin, meaning “lover of horses”
• Preston – An English name meaning “priest’s town”
• Quincy – A French name from Latin, meaning “fifth son’s manor”

Preppy Names for Boys Starting with R

• Reeve – An English occupational name for a “bailiff”
• Rhodes – A name of Greek origin, meaning “from where the roses grow”
• Rhys – A unisex Welsh name meaning “passion”
• Richard – A name of German origin, meaning “chief ruler”

R-S Names

• Rivers – A lovely nature-inspired name
• Sheffield – An English occupational name for “someone from the crooked field”
• Sinclair – A name of Scottish origin, meaning “someone from St. Clair”
• Spencer – An English occupational name for a “steward”

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Ultimate Guide to Traditional Boy Names

Final Preppy Boy Names

• Tad – A name of Aramaic origin and diminutive form of Thaddeus, meaning “god’s gift”
• Trey – A name of English origin, meaning “three”
• William – A name of German origin, meaning “determined protector”
• Yates – A name of English origin, meaning “gates”

There you go! Now you have some preppy baby names to add to your shortlist. For even more baby name inspiration, keep reading. We’ve got the most popular names that start with A in the US to share with you.

Popular Girl Names That Start with A

Ava

Ava is an international favorite that can be found in a number of naming traditions, including Hebrew, German, Persian, and Latin. Thus, the name has a variety of meanings: life, bird, voice, sound, water, and island are all possibilities. Ava is the most popular name that starts with A for girls. It first entered the US top-10 in 2005.

Amelia

Amelia is a name of Germanic origin and means “work.” It’s currently the second most popular name that starts with A for girls. The name has been mildly popular in the US for as long as baby name records exist (dating back to 1880). The name entered the top-10 in 2017 and it’s more popular today than it ever has been before.

Abigail

Abigail is a name of Hebrew origin that means “my father is joyful.” It ranks third among girl names that start with A. It entered the top US top-10 for the first time in 2011. While it is still wildly popular, in recent years it has dropped out of the top-10.

Avery

Avery is a unisex name that’s been given to girls more often than boys in the US. The name is of English and Germanic origin, meaning “ruler of the elves.” Considering that the name first landed in the top-1000 in 1989, it’s enjoyed a meteoric rise. It’s a top-20 name today.

Aria

Aria is considered both an Italian and Hebrew name. In Italian, the name means “melody,” “air,” or “song.” In Hebrew, the name is a form of Ari or Ariel, meaning “lion.” It’s ranked fifth among girl names that start with A, a top-50 name overall.

Aurora

Also a top-50 name overall, Aurora is name of Latin origin, meaning “dawn.” The name has always been a favored option but it’s more popular today than ever before.

Addison

Addison is a name of English origin, meaning “son of Adam.” The name first entered the US top-1000 in 1994 and it’s currently a top-50 pick for baby girls. Parents love this name’s nickname Addi.

Aubrey

Prior to the 1970s, Aubrey was almost exclusively used for baby boys in the US. Despite it being a unisex choice, the name has now tipped in favor of baby girls. Aubrey is an English name from German and means “elf ruler.” Today, it’s ranked eighth among girl names that start with A. Overall, it sits just outside of the top-50.

Audrey

Just a letter apart from Aubrey, Audrey is practically just as popular. The name possesses Old Hollywood glitz and glamour making it an attractive choice that parents have returned to. Audrey is of English origin and means “noble strength.”

Aaliyah

Aaliyah is a Semitic name most closely associated with the Arabic name that means “heavens,” “exalted,” or “high.” The name first entered the US top-1000 names for girls in 1994. Today, it ranks as the 65th most popular name for girls. There’s so much to love about this option.

Anna

Anna is a perennial favorite that has rarely strayed from the US top-100 names. The time-tested classic is of Hebrew origin and means “grace.” Anna is the most beloved of the Ann names in the US. It’s ranked eleventh among girl names that start with A.

Alice

Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland popularized the name Alice in modern times. The name is of German origin and it means “noble.” It’s always been a top-1000 name in the US and it continues to be a beloved treasure of a name today. It ranks as the 73rd most popular name for girls in the US.

Ariana

Ariana is an Italian name from Greek, meaning “most holy.” The name entered the US top-1000 in 1978 and it’s a top-100 option today. This smooth-sounding name rolls right off the tongue making it a new-ish favorite among American parents.

Allison

Allison is a Scottish diminutive form of Alice. Thus, it also means “noble.” The name took hold in the US in the 1950s and it even surpassed its cousin, Alice, for many years. Among girl names that start with A, it’s ranked fourteenth.

Autumn

Autumn is just a stunning seasonal name that’s been popular in the US since the late 1960s. No one can deny this name’s warmness. Overall, the name is ranked as the 82nd most popular name for girls today.

Adeline

Adeline is a French diminutive form of Adele, meaning “nobility.” It has a sweet retro vibe to it that parents can’t seem to get enough of today. It’s the 100th most popular name for girls in the US.

Athena

Athena is a name of Greek origin that means “from Athens.” It’s a Greek mythology name, belonging to a goddess of wisdom and war. It’s the 108th and most popular name for girls in the US and among girl names that start with A, it’s ranked seventeenth.

Arya

Arya is a Sanskrit, unisex name that means “noble.” But, for many in the West, the name is considered an alternative spelling of Aria. The name and its unique spelling became popular in the US in 2010 thanks to a lovable character with the appellation in Game of Thrones. It’s the 112th most popular name for girls. in the US.

Adalynn

Adalynn is a variation and a play on the French name Adeline, that we already discussed. It combines the Ada starter with the cherish Lynn component making it very attractive to contemporary parents. It first landed in the US top-1000 in 2008. Among girl names that start with A, it’s ranked nineteenth.

Alaia

Alaia is an appellation that’s often confused with Aaliyah but they are two distinct names. Alaia is of Basque origin and it’s pronounced ah-LYE-ah. This slightly exotic choice means “joyful.” It’s a relative newcomer in the US, first landing in the US top-1000 in 2015. It sits just outside the US top-100 and if trends hold, it will likely break through in the next couple of years.

RELATED: 125 Amazing Girl Names That Start with A

Popular Boy Names That Start with A

Alexander

Alexander is a timeless, classic that originated in Greek, meaning “defending men.” The name has been popular in the US since records of baby names began in 1880. It’s been in the top-25 since 1991. It’s the most popular of the boy names that start with A.

Aiden

Following Alexander is the name Aiden. It’s an Anglicized form of the Irish name, Aodhán. It’s safe to say that Aiden is a more accessible spelling for most American parents. The name means “fire” and you will find it spelled in a variety of different ways. The name is unisex but in the US, it’s almost exclusively given to baby boys.

Asher

The name Asher in the US has a unique history in that it was once a popular option in the last 19th century before falling off of parents’ collective radars for 100 years, returning to popularity in the 1990s. It’s a Biblical name with Hebrew roots that mean “fortunate.” Among boy names that start with A, it’s the third most popular option today.

Anthony

A perennial favorite in Europe and the US, Anthony has been in the US top-100 names for boys since 1883. The name belongs to the patron saint of Italy and of the poor, making it one of the most beloved among Catholic and Italian-American families. The name is of Latin origin and means “from Antium.”

Andrew

Andrew is yet another name that’s a favorite in the US and Europe and has been for centuries. In the US, Andrew has ranked in the top-100 names every year since those records started. It currently rests just outside the top-50. Among boy names that start with A, it’s ranked fifth. The name comes from Greek and means “strong and manly.”

Adrian

Adrian is a name that started with some fits and starts before sailing into favorability in recent decades. It’s always been a mildly popular option but it bounced around from year to year prior to the 1960s so it’s hard to get a picture of how the name was perceived. The name is of Latin origin and means “man of Adria.” It’s more popular today than ever before ranking just outside the top-50.

Aaron

Aaron is a name of Hebrew origin that means “high mountain.” Aaron has been in and around the top-50 for nearly half a century and is still a handsome, timeless option. Among names that start with A for boys, it’s ranked seventh.

Axel

Despite its modern sound, Axel has been a popular name in Scandinavia for generations. Axel is the Scandinavian form of the Hebrew name, Absalom, meaning “father of peace.” The name was popular here, in the US, in the late 19th century before it took some time off. It landed back on the popularity chart in 1989 thanks to Guns N’ Roses’ Axel Rose. It’s more popular than ever before in the US today.

Angel

Angel is a perennial favorite among Hispanic families and there’s plenty to love about this Spanish name. It means… “angel,” for starters. The name has been a top-1000 choice in the US since 1888 and it has grown rapidly in popularity since then, climbing to the top-100 today. Among names that start with A for boys, it’s ranked ninth.

Austin

Austin as a given name might feel like a relatively new sensation but the name has been popular as both a surname and given name since the Medieval Ages. The name is of English origin, a diminutive form of Augustus, meaning “magnificent.” In the US, the name has a southwestern feel thanks to the place in Texas. The name cracked the top-10 in 1996 and it has slipped, ever so slightly, since then.

Adam

Adam is a fundamental Old Testament Biblical name that has seen some ups and down in the US but always remained in the top-1000. It’s been doing great since the 1960s and has been a top-100 name since then. Adam is a name of Hebrew origin that means “son of the red earth.” Among names that start with A for boys, it’s ranked eleventh.

Amir

Amir is a hugely popular name in the Middle East and it has been a hit in the US since the 1970s. It has Semitic origins found in both Hebrew and Arabic, meaning “treetop” or “ruler.” The name is more popular today than ever before and one of the most popular boy names that start with A.

Ayden

Aiden is spelled so many different ways that this variant, Ayden, also makes the top-20 list of boy names that start with A. It also means “fire.” If you like offbeat spellings, go for this option that is also wildly popular today.

Ashton

Ashton is a name of English origin that means “place of the ash trees.” We have actor Ashton Kutcher to thank for the success of this name in recent decades. It saw its most popular year ever in 2004 but it’s still an extremely popular option and one of the most among boy names that start with A.

Adriel

Adriel is a somewhat offbeat Biblical name of Hebrew origin that means “God is my master.” Virtually unheard in the US before the 1980s, the name landed in the top-1000 in 2002 and has continued to climb ever since then. If trends hold, this name will crack the top-1000 in the next couple of years. A great option!

August

August was already a name on the rise before it was chosen by celebrities Princess Eugenie and Mandy Moore in recent years. That means the prospects for this name will only improve in the coming years. August is of Latin origin and means “magnificent. It’s one of the hottest boy names that start with A today.

Archer

Archer is an English occupational surname name that means exactly what you think it does. It’s trending among new parents today and it’s likely that August and Archer could both become some of the most popular boy names that start with A in the coming years.

Arthur

Arthur is a timeless classic that was once one of the most celebrated names in America. Unfortunately, this Celtic name has slowly slipped in popularity since the late 1940s. It’s climbing again today but it is nowhere near its former glory in the early half of the 20th century. Arthur means “bear.”

Antonio

Antonio is the Spanish and Italian form of Anthony. It’s always been one of the most popular boy names that start with A in the US. Just like Anthony, the name means “from Antium.”

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Abel

Abel is a Biblical name for boys that has not been as favored as others in its class. It’s always been in the US top-1000 but it was not until the 2000s that it really started to become highly favored. The Hebrew root of this name means “breath.”

There you have it! Now you know the most popular names that start with a for girls and boys. Did any of these appellations come as a surprise to you? Expect to find them aplenty in classrooms and playgrounds in a neighborhood near you in the coming years. If you’re searching for a name for your child, we sincerely hope we’ve helped you on your journey. Happy baby name hunting!