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The phrase “old money” conjures up visions of giant mansions passed down from generation to generation, sweeping greenery, and fancy parties like those we saw on Gossip Girl. If you’re into the idea of an old money baby name, there are a few ways in—no legacy required.
Family history is a major factor in typical “old money” names, as children are often named after relatives or even given the same name. Many old money baby names also come from a family surname, so you could consider looking back through your family tree for a last-name-as-first-name, or use a maiden name for the baby’s first name. Opt for names that feel classic and timeless, like Margaret and Theodore, or channel your inner country-club prep.
Whether you’re drawn to traditionally “preppy” names like Sloane, Blair, and Archie or prefer something a bit grander, like Arabella and Reginald, check out our roundup of the best old money baby names for inspiration.
Although many baby names are often separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in selecting names. It’s important to choose a name you feel fits your child best.
‘Old Money’ Names for Baby Girls
Margaret
Meaning: Pearl
Origin: Greek
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Maggie, Daisy, Peg
Sloane
Meaning: Warrior
Origin: Irish
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Sloan
Audrey
Meaning: Noble strength
Origin: English
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Audra, Audree, Aubrey
Claire
Meaning: Bright, clear
Origin: French
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Clare, Clair
Jane
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: English
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Jayne, Janie
Eloise
Meaning: Healthy
Origin: French
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Elouise, Elodie
Hadley
Meaning: Heather meadow
Origin: English
Eleanor
Meaning: Shining light
Origin: Greek, French
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Nora, Ella, Ellie
Amelia
Meaning: Industrious
Origin: German
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Mila, Mia
Lauren
Meaning: Laurel tree
Origin: French
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Loren, Laurie, Laura
More ‘Old Money’ Names for Girls
Caroline
Helen
Poppy
Daphne
Gwen
Katherine
Mabel
Violet
Elizabeth
Iris
Kathleen
Imogene
Camilla
Ceceila
Arabella
Beatrice
Charlotte
Margot
Agnes
Daisy
Winnifred
Meredith
Morgan
Elsie
Nell
Bunny
Kitty
Rose
Bitsy
Blythe
Harriet
Whitney
Paige
Greer
Delaney
Holland
Constance
Diana
‘Old Money’ Names for Baby Boys
Theodore
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Greek
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Theo, Teddy, Ted
Ernest
Meaning: Serious
Origin: German
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Ernie
Alexander
Meaning: Warrior
Origin: Greek
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Alex, Xander, Zander
Sidney
Meaning: Wide meadow
Origin: English
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Sid
Charles
Meaning: Free man
Origin: English
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Charlie, Charley, Chuck
Andrew
Meaning: Brave, strong
Origin: Greek
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Andy, Drew
Alastair
Meaning: Defender of people
Origin: Scottish, Greek
Frederick
Meaning: Peaceful ruler
Origin: German
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Freddie, Fred, Ricky
Benjamin
Meaning: Son of the right hand
Origin: Hebrew
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Ben, Benny, Benji
Reginald
Meaning: Mighty ruler/counselor
Origin: Latin
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Reggie
More ‘Old Money’ Names for Boys
Felix
Jay
Edmund
Finn
Clay
Edward
Hayes
Archibald
Nathaniel
Bryce
Patrick
Carter
Penn
Arthur
Abbott
Royce
William
Nicholas
Preston
Winston
Sterling
Ford
Hamilton
Bradford
Fitzgerald
Niles
Thad
Sullivan
Barrett
Tanner
Nash
Christian
Chase
Gender-Neutral ‘Old Money’ Baby Names
Sutton
Meaning: Southern homestead
Origin: British
Bennett
Meaning: Blessed
Origin: Latin
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Ben, Benny
Harper
Meaning: Harpist
Origin: English
Carson
Meaning: Son of marsh-dwellers
Origin: Scottish, Irish
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Karson
Everett
Meaning: Brave
Origin: German, English
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Everet
Cameron
Meaning: Crooked nose
Origin: Gaelic
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Cam, Kameron
Kendall
Meaning: Dale or valley
Origin: English
Alternative Spelling/Variations: Ken, Kenny
Avery
Meaning: Ruler of elves
Origin: English, French
Arden
Meaning: Great forest
Origin: British
Blake
Meaning: Fair haired
Origin: English
More Gender-Neutral ‘Old Money’ Names
Adler
Spencer
Abbott
Arden
Blair
James
Elliott
Brighton
Lane
Quinn
Keaton
Ellis
Astor
Kennedy
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