- For Girls |
- For Boys |
- Gender-Neutral |
- Unique |
- Modern |
- French |
- Italian |
- Eurostyle |
- Last Names |
- Nicknames |
- What are old money names? |
- Choosing a Name
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. Raven Minyard received her BA in English and Creative Writing from Sweet Briar College in 2020. While in college, she served as the Coeditor-in-Chief of Sweet Briar's literary magazine Red Clay and has since gone on to write for publications such as The Zillennial Zine and Halloween Every Night. Raven recalls reading articles from wikiHow's early days during her childhood and is thrilled to now write for their content team. She enjoys learning about new interests and topics with each article she writes and hopes to help audiences of all backgrounds continue to learn new and exciting things.
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Old money names are vintage names associated with wealth and class. If you aspire to have generational wealth and live that elite, country club lifestyle, choose an old money name to help you fake it till you make it. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of 290 of the best old money names for boys and girls . Plus, we’ll explain what old money names are and how to choose the right one for yourself or your baby.
Best Old Money Name Ideas
- For girls: Adeline, Beatrice, Eleanor, Nora, Victoria
- For boys: Alan, Charles, Ernest, Harold, Theodore
- Gender-neutral: Ainsley, Blair, Darby, Emerson, Quinn
- Unique: Amaryllis, Caspian, Delphine, Hale, Sabine
- Modern: Aurelie, Beatrix, Grayson, Logan, Madison
Steps
Old Money Names for Girls
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Choose a sophisticated, feminine name for a girl. Old money girl names are elegant and timeless with a traditionally feminine sound. Try choosing a name inspired by your grandmother or great-grandmother to achieve that vintage vibe. Here are some examples: [1] X Trustworthy Source US Social Security Administration Independent U.S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information Go to source
- Abigail (Hebrew for “my father’s joy”)
- Adelaide (Germanic for “noble”)
- Adeline (French and Germanic for “noble” or “nobility)
- Agnes (Greek for “pure” or “holy”)
- Alexandra (Greek for “defender of mankind”)
- Alice (Old French for “of noble rank”)
- Amelia (German for “industrious” or “hardworking”)
- Anne (Hebrew for “grace”)
- Barbara (Greek for “stranger” or “foreign”)
- Beatrice (Latin for “bringer of joy” or “blessings”)
- Camilla (Italian for “helper to the priest”)
- Caroline (German for “free man” or “free woman”)
- Catherine (Greek for “pure”)
- Charlotte (French for “free man” or “petite”)
- Chelsea (English for “chalk landing place”)
- Constance (French for “steadfastness”)
- Diana (Latin for “divine” or “heavenly”)
- Dorothy (Greek for “God’s gift”)
- Edith (English for “wealth” or “prosperity”)
- Elaine (French for “sun ray,” “shining light,” or “bright”)
- Eleanor (French and Greek for “sun ray” or “shining light”)
- Elizabeth (Hebrew for “God’s promise”)
- Emily (Latin for “rival,” “laborious,” or “eager”)
- Ethel (English for “noble”)
- Florence (Latin for “blossoming,” “flourishing,” or “prosperous”)
- Grace (Latin for “favor” or “blessing”)
- Helen (Greek for “torch” or “light”)
- Jane (English for “God is gracious”)
- Laura (Latin for “laurel”)
- Louise (French for “renowned warrior”)
- Lucy (Latin for “light bringer”)
- Margaret (Greek for “pearl”)
- Martha (Aramaic and Hebrew for “lady”)
- Mary (Hebrew for “beloved” or “bitter”)
- Nancy (English for “grace”)
- Nora (Hebrew for “light”)
- Olivia (Latin for “olive tree”)
- Patricia (Latin for “noble” or “patrician”)
- Regina (Latin for “queen”)
- Rose (Latin for “flower”)
- Ruth (Hebrew for “friend”)
- Samantha (Hebrew for “God has heard”)
- Sarah (Hebrew for “princess”)
- Sophia (Greek for “wisdom”)
- Victoria (Latin for “victory”)
Old Money Names for Boys
-
Choose a strong, masculine name for a boy. Many old money boy names evoke feelings of masculinity, power, and wealth. Go for something strong and timeless that could be passed down for generations. Here are some examples: [2] X Trustworthy Source US Social Security Administration Independent U.S. government agency that administers Social Security and related information Go to source
- Alan (Celtic for “handsome,” “peaceful,” or “little rock”)
- Alexander (Greek for “defender of mankind”)
- Andrew (Greek for “manly,” “strong,” and “courageous”)
- Anthony (Latin for “priceless one”)
- Archibald (Old German for “genuine” and “bold”)
- Arthur (Celtic for “bear” or “bear-man”)
- Bernard (Old Germanic for “strong as a bear”)
- Caleb (Hebrew for “faithful” or “whole-hearted”)
- Charles (English for “free man”)
- Christopher (Greek for “bearing Christ”)
- Clarence (Latin for “clear” or “bright”)
- Cornelius (Latin for “horn”)
- David (Hebrew for “beloved”)
- Edward (English for “wealthy guardian”)
- Ernest (German for “serious”)
- Franklin (English for “free landowner” or “freeman”)
- Frederick (Germanic for “peaceful ruler”)
- Gabriel (Hebrew for “God is my strength”)
- George (Greek for “farmer” or “earthworker”)
- Gilbert (German for “bright pledge”)
- Gordon (Old English or Scottish for “spacious fort”)
- Harold (Germanic for “army ruler”)
- Henry (German for “house ruler”)
- Jackson (English for “son of Jack”)
- James (Hebrew for “supplanter”)
- Jonathan (Hebrew for “gift of God”)
- Joseph (Hebrew for “God shall add”)
- Lionel (French for “little lion”)
- Louis (French for “famed warrior”)
- Marshall (English for “caretaker of the horses”
- Matthew (Hebrew for “gift of God”)
- Michael (Hebrew for “who resembles God?”)
- Nicholas (Greek for “victory of the people”)
- Oliver (Latin for “olive tree”)
- Patrick (Latin for “nobleman”)
- Paul (Latin for “humble”)
- Philip (Greek for “horse-loving”)
- Reginald (Old Germanic and Latin for “advice of the sovereign” or “ruling with power”)
- Richard (Germanic for “strong in rule”)
- Robert (Germanic for “bright fame”)
- Ronald (Old Norse for “ruler’s advisor”)
- Theodore (Greek for “gift of God”)
- Thomas (Aramaic for “twin”)
- Timothy (Greek for “honoring God”)
- William (Germanic for “resolute protector”)
Gender-Neutral Old Money Names
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Pick a name that works for any gender. While many old money names are traditionally masculine or feminine, there are still several gender-neutral names to choose from. These are a great place to start if you don’t know your baby’s gender, if you want to raise them without gender roles, or if you’re picking out a new name for yourself . [3] X Research source
- Addison (Old English for “son of Adam”)
- Ainsley (Old English for “hermitage” or “solitary woodland or clearing”)
- Ashton (English for “ash tree town”)
- Aubrey (German and French for “elf ruler”)
- Bellamy (French for “handsome friend”)
- Blair (Scottish for “plain,” “field,” or “battlefield”)
- Bryce (Scottish for “speckled” or “freckled”)
- Casey (Gaelic for “vigilant” or “watchful”)
- Darby (Old English and Norse for “deer park”)
- Darcy (French and Irish for “from Arcy” or “descendant of the dark one”)
- Emerson (German for “brave,” “powerful,” or “child of Emery”)
- Fallon (Irish for “superior” or “descended from a ruler”)
- Frankie (Germanic for “free man”)
- Greer (Gaelic for “watchful” or “guardian”)
- Hadley (English for “heather meadow”)
- Hollis (English for “one who dwells by the holly tree”)
- Ira (Hebrew for “watchful”)
- Leighton (English for “leek town”)
- Quinn (Irish for “wise,” “sense,” or “reason”)
- Robin (Germanic for “bright fame”)
- Rowan (Scottish and Irish for “little red-head”)
- Sage (Latin for “wise” or “prophet”)
- Spencer (British for “dispenser of provisions”)
- Sutton (English for “from the southern homestead”)
- Taylor (English for “tailor”)
Unique Old Money Names
-
Choose an interesting name you don’t hear that often. Because old money names are vintage and have been used for generations, some of them may feel too familiar and common. If you want something more unique, try looking for vintage names that aren’t as popular. Here are some examples:
- Adair (British for “wealthy spear”)
- Amaryllis (Greek for “sparkle” and “shine”)
- Ambrose (Greek for “immortal”)
- Ansel (Germanic for “under divine protection”)
- Araminta (English for “prayer,” “protection,” or “unfading”)
- Augusta (Latin for “exalted,” “venerable,” or “majestic”)
- Byron (English for “place of the cowsheds”)
- Caspian (Latin for “of the Caspian Sea”)
- Clive (British for “cliff”)
- Cuthbert (English for “bright and famous” or “familiar brightness”)
- Delphine (Greek for “dolphin”)
- Dexter (Latin for “right-handed” or “favorable”)
- Emeline (French for “vigorous,” “brave,” or “diligent”)
- Fitzroy (French and English for “son of the king”)
- Hale (British for “chief” or “hero”)
- Honora (Latin for “woman of honor”)
- Magnolia (French for “magnolia flower”)
- Ottoline (German and French for “prosperity in battle” or “rich”)
- Penn (English for “hill” or “enclosure”)
- Peregrine (Latin for “traveler” or “wanderer”)
- Piers (English and Greek for “rock”)
- Sabine (Latin for “woman of the Sabine people”)
- Sinclair (French for “pure,” “renowned,” and “illustrious”)
- Starling (Old English for “little star”)
- Thaddeus (Aramaic and Greek for “courageous heart”)
Modern Old Money Names
-
Stand out with something a bit more contemporary. If traditional old money names feel a bit too stuffy, choose something that sounds more modern while still maintaining a classy vibe. Many vintage names are coming back in style, so use them to your advantage. Here are some examples:
- Allegra (Italian for “joyful”)
- Ashley (Old English for “dweller near the ash tree meadow”)
- Aurelie (Latin for “golden”)
- Avalon (Welsh for “island of apples”)
- Beatrix (Latin for “voyager” or “traveler”)
- Beaumont (French for “beautiful mountain”)
- Bellinger (German for “someone from Belling or Bellingen”)
- Clara (Latin for “bright”)
- Cosima (Greek for “order” or “beauty”)
- Edison (British for “son of Edward”)
- Emsworth (English for “Emmele’s enclosure”)
- Grayson (English for “son of a gray-haired man”)
- Harlow (English for “rock hill”)
- Hugo (Germanic for “thinker” or “clever”)
- Ian (Scottish and Hebrew for “God is gracious”)
- Logan (Scottish for “hollow”)
- Madison (British for “son of Matthew”)
- Olympia (Greek for “mountain of the Gods”)
- Ottilie (French and German for “prosperous in battle”)
- Remington (British for “settlement by the boundary stream”)
- Rhodes (British and Greek for “clearing in the woods” or “where roses grow”)
- River (English for “a flowing body of water”)
- Vesper (Latin for “evening star”)
- Waverly (English for “meadow of quivering aspens”)
- Whitney (British for “by the white island”)
French Old Money Names
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Choose a French name with an aura of elegance. The French are often viewed as elegant, cultured, and sometimes, a little snooty. While these may be stereotypes, French names do have a sophisticated, classy vibe. Try out one of these French names if you want to achieve the old money aesthetic: [4] X Research source
- Algernon (French for “with a mustache”)
- Antoine (French for “priceless one”)
- Arnaud (French for “eagle power”)
- Benoit (French for “blessed”)
- Cosette (French for “little thing”)
- Courtney (French for “from the court”)
- Dashiell (French for “sky” or “heavenly”)
- Devereux (French for “from Evreux” or “from the river”)
- Francine (French for “free man”)
- Gabrielle (French for “God is my strength”)
- Genevieve (French for “woman of the family”)
- Georgette (French for “earth-worker”)
- Henrietta (French for “home ruler”)
- Jacques (French for “supplanter” or “one who follows”)
- Jean (French for “God is gracious”)
- Julia (French for “youthful”)
- Julien (French for “youthful”)
- Marcel (French for “dedicated to Mars”)
- Montague (French for “pointed hill”)
- Montgomery (French for “mountain of the powerful man”)
- Odette (French for “wealthy”)
- Percival (French for “pierce the valley”)
- Raoul (French for “wolf counsel”)
- René (French for “rebirth”)
- Yvonne (French for “yew tree”)
Italian Old Money Names
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Honor your Italian heritage. Traditional Italian names often exude a sense of wealth and elegance, so if you’re Italian, choosing an Italian name is a great way to embody the old money aesthetic while paying homage to your heritage. Here are some names to try: [5] X Research source
- Alessandro (Italian for “defender of the people”)
- Alessia (Italian for “defender”)
- Bianca (Italian for “white” or “fair”)
- Carlotta (Italian for “free man”)
- Caterina (Italian for “pure”)
- Chiara (Italian for “bright”)
- Clarenza (Italian for “clear”)
- Dante (Italian for “enduring”)
- Donatella (Italian for “gift of God”)
- Edoardo (Italian for “wealthy guard”)
- Emilio (Italian for “rival” or “eager”)
- Enzo (Italian for “home ruler”)
- Francesca (Italian for “free”)
- Francesco (Italian for “free man”)
- Giovanni (Italian for “God is gracious”)
- Giulia (Italian for “youthful”)
- Isabella (Italian for “God is my oath”)
- Leonardo (Italian for “lion-hearted”)
- Lorenzo (Italian for “laurel”)
- Luna (Italian for “moon”)
- Maria (Italian for “star of the sea” or “bitterness”)
- Matteo (Italian for “gift of God”)
- Ricardo (Italian for “brave ruler”)
- Rocco (Italian for “to rest or repose”)
- Sylvia (Italian for “spirit of the wood”)
Eurostyle Old Money Names
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Choose a European name to match the old money aesthetic. Many old money families originated in Europe, in countries such as Scotland, England, the Netherlands, and Germany. Therefore, many names we associate with the aesthetic also have European origins. Here are some examples:
- Ailsa (Scottish and Norse for “elf victory”)
- Alois (German for “famous warrior”)
- Amory (English and German for “home strength”)
- Consuelo (Spanish for “consolation” or “solace”)
- Dimity (Greek for “of double thread”)
- Eleonora (Italian and Spanish for “shining light”)
- Elsa (Scandinavian for “God is my oath”)
- Emmerich (German for “home strength” or “brave”)
- Eulalie (French and Greek for “sweetly-spoken”)
- Evander (Greek and Scottish for “good man”)
- Ginevra (Italian for “fair one,” “white spirit,” or “white phantom”)
- Gisella (Italian and Portuguese for “pledge” or “hostage”)
- Hamish (Scottish for “supplanter” or “holder of the heel”)
- Ives (French for “yew”)
- Jago (Cornish for “supplanter”)
- Jan (Dutch and Swiss for “God is gracious”)
- Kester (Greek for “carrier of Christ”)
- Laurent (French for “laurel”)
- Louden (Scottish for “from the Loudoun region”)
- Luc (French for “light”)
- Ludovic (French for “famous warrior”)
- Mathilde (German for “mighty in battle”)
- Tatiana (Russian for “fairy queen”)
- Tristram (Celtic for “noise, tumult” or “sad, sorrowful”)
- Wilhelmine (German for “willing to protect”)
Old Money Last Names
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Borrow a surname from a wealthy family. Some last names are automatically associated with wealth, like Vanderbilt and Forbes. Many wealthy families choose to pass these surnames down by using them as first or middle names, as doing so was historically a way to establish inheritance. Here are some wealthy family names to try out: [6] X Research source
- Abbott (English for “father” or “priest”)
- Anderson (English and Scottish for “son of Andrew”)
- Astor (Scandinavian for “hawk” or “thunder god”)
- Baldwin (Germanic for “bold, brave friend”)
- Bowes (English for “bow” or “arch”)
- Carlisle (English for “fort at Luguvalium”)
- Duncan (Scottish for “brown or dark warrior”)
- Dupont (French for “of the bridge”)
- Forbes (Scottish for “field” or “area of land”)
- Ford (English for “river crossing”)
- Harrison (English for “son of Harry”)
- Hearst (British for “thicket of trees”)
- Kennedy (Irish for “helmet-headed”)
- Larimer (English and Scottish for “maker of spurs”)
- Morgan (Welsh for “sea-born” or “sea-song”)
- Osborne (Old Norse for “divine bear”)
- Randolph (Old Norse for “wolf shield”)
- Smith (English for “blacksmith”)
- Stanley (English for “stony field”)
- Stuyvesant (Dutch for “drifting sand” or “sand dune”)
- Vanderbilt (Dutch for “from the Bilt” or “living by a low hill”)
- Walker (English for “fuller of cloth”)
- Walton (English for “wall town”)
- Wharton (English for “shore” or “bank settlement”)
- Winthrop (English for “friend’s village”)
Old Money Nicknames
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Choose a classy nickname to go with your old money name. Many vintage names also have diminutives and nicknames that also have a sense of elegance and wealth. Some stand on their own as a name, while others are simply terms of endearment . If you’re looking for a nickname with an old money vibe, try one of these: [7] X Research source
- Babe (a term of endearment, especially for young children or a romantic partner)
- Buffy (Hebrew for “God is my oath;” a nickname for Elizabeth )
- Cettie (a nickname for names like Celeste, Celestia, and Celestine)
- Chip (a nickname for Charles or Christopher, or someone who is “a chip off the old block”)
- Corky (a nickname for Corey or Cormac)
- Cricket (American for “loud insect of the night”)
- Deeda (a nickname for Dorothy or Dolores)
- Dody (Hebrew for “well-loved” or “gift of God;” a nickname for Dorothy)
- Dooley (Irish for “descendant of a dark hero”)
- Fairy (British for “a mythical winged creature;” a delicate, whimsical nickname)
- Flip (a nickname for Philip)
- Fritz (Germanic for “peaceful ruler;” a nickname for Friedrich, Frederick, or Francis)
- Gibbs (English for “son of Gilbert;” a nickname for Gilbert)
- Gussie (Latin for “exalted;” a nickname for Augustus and Augusta)
- Jonty (Hebrew for “gift of God;” a nickname for Jonathan)
- Kip (British for “pointed hill;” a nickname for Clifford or Christopher)
- Muffy (a nickname for Mary or Margaret)
- Nan (Hebrew for “favor” or “grace;” a nickname for Hannah or Anne)
- Nonie (Latin for “God has favored me” or “ninth;” a nickname for Nona or Joan)
- Rhody (Latin for “rose” or “from Rhodes;” a nickname for Rhodes or Rhoda)
- Slim (British for “slender;” a nickname often used for someone thin and slender)
- Tad (Gaelic for “heart;” a nickname for Thaddeus)
- Tippi (English for “little one;” a diminutive often used as a term of endearment)
- Topper (English for “to put the top on something;” a nickname for Christopher)
- Trey (British for “three;” a nickname for the third son in a family)
What are old money names?
-
Old money names are vintage names that are associated with wealth. “Old money” refers to inherited wealth that has been passed down for generations. [8] X Research source In recent years, “old money” has also come to refer to a fashion aesthetic that exudes quiet luxury. Old money names, therefore, often feel historic, dignified, and sometimes slightly out-of-touch.
- The term “old money” typically refers to families like the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Carnegies, who gained wealth from their business ventures and passed that wealth down to their children, grandchildren, and so on.
How to Choose an Old Money Name
-
1Choose a name that sounds timeless. These days, many people opt for unique spellings and modern names so their child stands out. While these names are cute, they don’t necessarily fit the old money aesthetic. Instead, opt for something classic that sounds like it could’ve been passed down for ages.
-
2Pass down a family name. Old money families are proud of their legacy, so they often use the same name for many generations. If you have an older relative whom you admire, consider paying tribute to them by naming your child after them. Or, if you changed your last name when you got married, consider using your original surname as your child’s first or middle name.
-
3Consider your cultural heritage. Because so many well-known old money families are from European descent, European names are frequently associated with the aesthetic. If you know your family’s heritage, consider choosing a name that originated from that country. It doesn’t have to be European!
-
4Say the name out loud. When you think you’ve found the perfect name, say it out loud alongside your chosen middle name and last name. This will help you determine if the name sounds good as a whole and if it’s too hard to pronounce. Try this with a few different names to make sure you choose the perfect one.
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References
- ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/decades/names1880s.html
- ↑ https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/decades/names1880s.html
- ↑ https://ahouseinthehills.com/old-money-names-that-feel-like-royalty/
- ↑ https://www.thebump.com/b/french-baby-names
- ↑ https://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/italian
- ↑ https://ahouseinthehills.com/old-money-names-that-feel-like-royalty/
- ↑ https://ahouseinthehills.com/old-money-names-that-feel-like-royalty/
- ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/old-money