350 Old Money Names that Feel Like Royalty

People are fascinated by old money names—classic names evoking grand estates and centuries-old traditions.

These names are pieces of history that connect us to the past, reminiscent of characters in classic literature or families famed for their wealth.

Their special quality is their staying power; while trends fade, old money names stay stylish across generations, embodying a timeless confidence.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at beautiful old money names for suitable for everyone.

Learning of their origins and meanings, and perhaps finding the ideal name for your child.

What Makes a Name “Old Money”?

Heritage and Lineage

Old money names often have deep roots in history. They connect to famous families who’ve been wealthy for generations.

When you hear names like Vanderbilt or Astor as first names, you immediately think of those powerful dynasties.

These names carry stories and traditions that go back centuries.

Classic and Timeless Appeal

These names never really go out of style.

While other parents might chase the latest naming trend, old money families stick with classics that have been used for generations.

They’re the Elizabeth instead of Everly, the William instead of Wilder.

These names feel dignified without trying too hard.

European and Aristocratic Influence

Many old money names come from across the pond.

They have British, French, or other European roots that give them a sophisticated feel.

Think of names like Charlotte, Theodore, or Maximilian – they sound like they belong in a grand estate.

These names often have royal or noble connections that add to their prestige.

Old Money Names for Boys

These names capture the essence of traditional wealth and heritage.

Many originated from old family surnames or places associated with aristocracy and landed gentry.

Montgomery – English, “man power” – Originally a surname derived from a place in Normandy, it conveys authority and nobility
Pembroke – Welsh, “from the headland” – Historically associated with Welsh aristocracy and the earldom of Pembroke
Sterling – English, “little star” or “genuine” – Implies worth and value, like the British pound sterling
Bradford – English, “broad river crossing” – A distinguished surname-turned-first name suggesting land ownership
Cornelius – Latin, “horn” – Popular among Dutch-American patrician families, it has biblical connections
Reginald – Germanic, “powerful ruler” – A name with royal connotations used by nobility for centuries
Thaddeus – Aramaic, “gift of God” – A name with religious significance and classical appeal
Harrison – English, “son of Harry” – A patrician surname-as-first-name that suggests family lineage
Montgomery – English/French, “man power” – A name associated with nobility and land ownership
Beaumont – French, “beautiful mountain” – Suggests ancestral lands and Norman heritage
Gideon – Hebrew, “mighty warrior” or “feller of trees” – A biblical name suggesting strength and righteousness
Prescott – English, “priest’s cottage” – A surname that became a distinguished first name among Boston Brahmins
Rothwell – English, “red spring” – A territorial surname turned distinguished first name
Whitaker – English, “white field” – Suggests land ownership and agrarian wealth
Roderick – Germanic, “famous ruler” – Has been used by European nobility for centuries
Kendrick – Anglo-Saxon, “royal ruler” – A name suggesting authority and leadership
Hamilton – Scottish, “beautiful mountain” – Associated with one of America’s founding fathers and old Scottish estates
Bartholomew – Aramaic, “son of Talmai” – A biblical name often shortened to the more approachable “Bart”
Montague – French, “pointed mountain” – Features in Shakespeare and has aristocratic associations
Garland – English, “triangle land” – Originally a surname denoting land ownership
Phillips – Greek, “lover of horses” – Horse ownership being historically associated with wealth and status
Clifford – English, “ford by a cliff” – Suggests ownership of strategic property
Thornton – English, “thorn settlement” – A patrician surname turned given name
Sullivan – Irish, “dark-eyed one” – Popular among Irish-American aristocracy
Langston – English, “long stone” – A distinguished surname suggesting ancient land markers
Ambrose – Greek, “immortal” – A name used by early Christian saints and later aristocracy
Tennyson – English, “son of Dennis” – Evokes the famed poet and literary heritage
Remington – English, “raven settlement” – Associated with old industrial wealth
Mortimer – French, “still water” – Has been used by European nobility since medieval times
Broderick – Germanic, “brother power” – A strong name with historical pedigree
Arlington – English, “town of Aelfhel’s people” – Associated with historic estates and national monuments
Chadwick – English, “dairy farm” – Suggests pastoral wealth and land ownership
Fairchild – English, “fair child” – A Puritan virtue name adopted by established families
Livingston – Scottish, “settlement of Leving” – Associated with prominent American founding families
Ellington – English, “settlement of Ella’s people” – Suggests ancestral lands
Waverly – English, “meadow of quivering aspens” – A name from literature suggesting refinement
Lockwood – English, “enclosed wood” – Implies private land ownership
Chauncey – French/Latin, “chancellor” – Suggests administrative authority and Norman heritage
Emerson – Germanic, “son of Emery” – Associated with intellectual aristocracy
Barnaby – Aramaic, “son of consolation” – An old English name with biblical roots
Wentworth – English, “Went’s settlement” – Associated with aristocratic estates
Cavendish – English, “Cafa’s pasture” – Connected to one of Britain’s most prominent noble families
Harrington – English, “settlement of Harry’s people” – Suggests ancestral lands and lineage
Meriwether – English, “happy weather” or “pleasant climate” – A distinctive surname turned first name
Atticus – Latin, “from Attica” – A literary name with connections to Roman nobility
Faulkner – English, “falcon keeper” – A profession once associated with nobility
Rutherford – Scottish, “cattle crossing” – Suggests land ownership and agricultural wealth
Donovan – Irish, “dark warrior” – Popular among Irish-American upper classes
Hadley – English, “heather field” – Evokes pastoral wealth and land ownership
Warrington – English, “settlement of Wæring’s people” – Suggests ancestral estates and lineage
Aldrich – Old English, “old, wise ruler” – A distinguished Germanic name suggesting authority and wisdom
Bellamy – French, “beautiful friend” – A charming Norman name with an aristocratic feel
Carrington – English, “from the town of Cari’s people” – Evokes grand estates and lineage
Delafield – French/English, “from the field” – A combined surname that suggests agricultural heritage
Erasmus – Greek, “beloved” – A scholarly name associated with Renaissance humanism and intellectualism
Fairfax – English, “fair-haired” – A distinguished surname that suggests Anglo-Saxon heritage
Grosvenor – French, “great hunter” – Associated with one of Britain’s wealthiest aristocratic families
Harcourt – French, “military settlement” – Connected to Norman nobility and conquest
Isambard – Germanic, “iron bright” – Rare name associated with brilliant engineering and innovation
Jodocus – Latin, variant of “Judocus” meaning “lord” – An uncommon classical name with noble bearing
Kingsford – English, “king’s ford” – Suggests royal connection and strategic land ownership
Lachlan – Scottish Gaelic, “from the land of lakes” – Associated with Scottish clan leadership
Manfred – Germanic, “man of peace” – A name used by European nobility for centuries
Nickleby – English, derived from “Nicholas’s village” – Evokes Dickensian aristocracy
Osborne – Old English, “divine bear” – Associated with British nobility and prime ministers
Peregrine – Latin, “traveler” or “pilgrim” – Used by English aristocracy since the Norman conquest
Quennell – English/French, “little oak tree” – An uncommon surname turned distinguished first name
Redgrave – English, “red grove” – Suggests land ownership and a connection to prominent British families
Sheridan – Irish Gaelic, “wild” or “untamed” – Associated with Anglo-Irish gentry and playwrights
Talbott – Germanic, “messenger” – A historic surname with connections to English aristocracy
Upton – English, “upper town” – Suggests elevated social and geographic standing
Vaughan – Welsh, “small” – A name associated with Welsh gentry and landowners
Willoughby – Old English, “farm by the willows” – Suggests pastoral wealth and ancient settlement
Xenophon – Greek, “strange voice” – An unusual classical name suggesting intellectual pedigree
Yarborough – English, “earthen fortress” – Associated with British peerage and land ownership
Zennor – Cornish, named after a parish in Cornwall – Suggests connection to ancient British territories
Alcott – English, “old cottage” – Associated with intellectual New England families
Beckett – English, “bee cottage” or “brook” – A distinguished surname with literary connections
Colston – English, “Cola’s town” – Suggests ancestral settlement and land claims
Drummond – Scottish, “ridge” – Associated with Scottish nobility and banking families
Elbridge – English, “old bridge” – A distinguished Puritan name with colonial connections
Fitzroy – Norman-French, “son of the king” – Historically used for royal illegitimate children, suggesting royal ties
Greville – French, “from the gravelly place” – Connected to British aristocracy and literature
Hawthorne – English, “hedge of hawthorns” – Suggests land boundaries and literary refinement
Ingraham – English, “Ingvar’s home” – A distinguished surname suggesting Norse heritage
Jennings – English, “son of John” – Associated with early American aristocracy
Knollys – English, “from the hilltop” – Connected to Tudor and Elizabethan courtiers
Landon – English, “long hill” – Suggests elevated land ownership with a modern sound
Millbank – English, “mill on the bank” – Implies industrial wealth and property ownership
Neville – French, “new town” – Associated with powerful medieval noble families
Ormerod – English, “clearing in the elm trees” – Suggests ownership of wooded estates
Pelham – English, “from the homestead on the marsh” – Connected to British aristocracy
Quincy – French, “estate of the fifth son” – Associated with a prominent American political family
Roxburgh – Scottish, “castle on a rock promontory” – Suggests fortified ancestral lands
Sackville – Norman, “town of sacks” – Associated with English nobility and literary figures
Trentham – English, “homestead on the River Trent” – Suggests riparian property ownership
Usher – Middle English, “doorkeeper” – A distinguished occupation name with literary connections
Vane – English, “banner” or “weathervane” – Associated with English nobility and land ownership
Wyndham – English, “from the windy valley” – Connected to British aristocracy and property
Zouch – Norman French, “log” or “stump” – An ancient noble family name with Norman conquest origins

Old Money Names for Girls

Constance – Latin, “steadfast” – A name suggesting loyalty and persistence, popular among European nobility
Millicent – Germanic, “strong in work” – Conveys diligence and capability, used by English aristocracy
Genevieve – Germanic, “tribe woman” – A name with French royal and aristocratic connections
Cecilia – Latin, “blind” – The patron saint of music, associated with refined accomplishments
Dorothea – Greek, “gift of God” – Suggests divine blessing, popular among European nobility
Winifred – Welsh, “blessed peace” – A historic name with connections to Welsh aristocracy
Theodora – Greek, “gift of God” – The feminine form of Theodore, used by Byzantine empresses
Beatrice – Latin, “she who brings happiness” – Associated with Dante’s muse and European royalty
Henrietta – Germanic, “ruler of the household” – The feminine form of Henry, used in royal families
Philippa – Greek, “lover of horses” – Suggests equestrian pursuits, traditionally associated with wealth
Arabella – Latin, “yielding to prayer” – A name with Scottish noble connections and elegant sound
Cordelia – Latin/Celtic, “heart” or “daughter of the sea” – Features in Shakespeare, suggesting literary refinement
Gwendolyn – Welsh, “white ring” or “blessed ring” – Suggests Celtic heritage and noble connections
Imogen – Celtic, “maiden” – A Shakespearean name with literary prestige
Lavinia – Latin, “from Lavinium” – Another Shakespearean name with classical Roman connections
Frederica – Germanic, “peaceful ruler” – The feminine form of Frederick, used by German nobility
Augusta – Latin, “great, magnificent” – Used for Roman empresses and European royalty
Leonora – Greek, “light” or “compassion” – A variant of Eleanor, used by European nobility
Clementine – Latin, “merciful” – Suggests gentleness of character, with French aristocratic connections
Penelope – Greek, “weaver” – Associated with faithfulness and cleverness in Greek mythology
Antonia – Latin, “priceless” – The feminine form of Anthony, used by Roman and European nobility
Rosalind – Germanic, “gentle horse” – A Shakespearean name with literary pedigree
Valentina – Latin, “strong, healthy” – Suggests vitality and has been used by European aristocracy
Anastasia – Greek, “resurrection” – Used by Russian royalty, suggesting imperial connections
Euphemia – Greek, “well-spoken” – A name suggesting refinement and good breeding
Magdalena – Hebrew, “woman from Magdala” – Suggests biblical knowledge and religious education
Evangeline – Greek, “bearer of good news” – A poetic name with literary associations
Dorinda – Greek, “gift of God” – An elegant variation suggesting divine blessing
Lucinda – Spanish/Latin, “light” – Suggests illumination and knowledge
Octavia – Latin, “eighth” – A Roman name suggesting classical education
Althea – Greek, “with healing power” – Suggests beneficial influence, used by nobility
Christabel – Latin/French, “beautiful Christian” – Combines religious devotion with aesthetic appreciation
Daphne – Greek, “laurel tree” – Associated with Apollo in mythology, suggesting cultural refinement
Eudora – Greek, “good gift” – Suggests divine blessing and appreciation
Felicity – Latin, “happiness” – A virtue name suggesting good fortune
Georgiana – Greek, “farmer” – Used by English aristocracy, most notably the Duchess of Devonshire
Heloise – Germanic, “famous warrior” – Associated with the medieval scholar, suggesting intellectual refinement
Isadora – Greek, “gift of Isis” – Connects to ancient Egyptian divinity through Greek language
Jocasta – Greek, “shining moon” – A mythological name suggesting classical education
Katarina – Greek, “pure” – A variant of Katherine used by European nobility
Lysandra – Greek, “liberator” – The feminine form of Lysander, suggesting classical education
Marcelline – Latin, “dedicated to Mars” – A refined French variation suggesting strength
Narcissa – Greek, “daffodil” – Suggests appreciation of beauty and classical education
Ophelia – Greek, “help” – A Shakespearean name with tragic nobility
Perdita – Latin, “lost” – Another Shakespearean name suggesting literary education
Quentina – Latin, “fifth” – A feminine form of Quentin, suggesting orderly families
Rowena – Germanic/Welsh, “fame and joy” – Associated with early British nobility
Seraphina – Hebrew, “burning ones” – Refers to the highest order of angels, suggesting divine connection
Thessaly – Greek, “region in Greece” – Suggests classical education and knowledge of geography
Veronica – Greek/Latin, “true image” – Associated with Christian legend and nobility
Araminta – Latin/Greek origin, “defender” – An uncommon name with aristocratic associations, particularly popular among Southern plantation families
Blythe – Old English, “carefree” or “happy” – A cheerful name with understated elegance, suggesting refined optimism
Celestine – Latin, “heavenly” – Suggesting divine connection and used by European nobility, including popes
Delphine – Greek, “from Delphi” – Connects to the ancient oracle, suggesting classical education and refinement
Eulalia – Greek, “well-spoken” – A name historically given to European nobility, suggesting eloquence
Flavia – Latin, “golden” or “yellow-haired” – An ancient Roman patrician name suggesting classical lineage
Greer – Scottish/Irish, “watchful” or “guardian” – Originally a surname suggesting vigilant protection of wealth
Honoria – Latin, “woman of honor” – Suggests moral rectitude and has been used by Roman nobility
Iphigenia – Greek, “born strong” – A mythological name suggesting extensive classical education
Justina – Latin, “just” or “fair” – A virtue name suggesting ethical principles, used by Roman nobility
Kerensa – Cornish, “love” – A distinctive regional name suggesting ancient British heritage
Leocadia – Greek, “bright” or “clear” – A rare name associated with Spanish aristocracy
Melusine – French folklore name – Associated with European noble houses who claimed descent from this mythical figure
Nephele – Greek, “cloud” – A mythological name suggesting classical education and ethereal beauty
Ottoline – Germanic, derived from Otto meaning “wealth” – Used by British aristocracy, notably Lady Ottoline Morrell
Peridot – French, named after the gemstone – Suggests wealth and precious possessions
Quenby – Scandinavian, “woman’s estate” – Suggests property ownership and Nordic heritage
Romilly – Latin/French, “from Rome” – Suggests continental connections and used by British aristocracy
Sybilla – Greek, “prophetess” – A variant of Sibyl used by European royal houses, suggesting divine insight
Thalia – Greek, “to flourish” – One of the nine Muses, suggesting patronage of the arts
Ursuline – Latin, “little female bear” – Associated with European convent education for aristocratic girls
Valentina – Latin, “strong, vigorous” – Used by Russian nobility and European aristocracy
Wisteria – English, named after the flowering vine – Suggests beautiful gardens and landed estates
Xanthe – Greek, “golden” or “blonde” – A distinctive classical name suggesting refined education
Yvaine – French/Celtic, variant of Yvonne meaning “yew tree” – Suggests ancient woodland ownership
Zenobia – Greek/Aramaic, “life of Zeus” – Named after the powerful queen of Palmyra, suggesting regal bearing
Amarantha – Greek, “unfading” – Refers to an imaginary flower that never fades, suggesting eternal beauty
Brighid – Irish, “exalted one” – An ancient Celtic name suggesting noble Irish heritage
Calliope – Greek, “beautiful voice” – One of the Muses, suggesting patronage of poetry and eloquence
Damaris – Greek, “gentle” – A biblical name suggesting religious education and gentle breeding
Elspeth – Scottish form of Elizabeth, “God is my oath” – Suggests Scottish highland ancestry
Fenella – Scottish Gaelic, “white-shouldered one” – Associated with Scottish folklore and nobility
Gardenia – English, named after the fragrant flower – Suggests cultivated gardens and refined tastes
Hermione – Greek, “messenger” – Associated with Greek mythology and later popularized among British upper classes
Ianthe – Greek, “violet flower” – Used by Percy Bysshe Shelley for his daughter, suggesting literary connections
Jemima – Hebrew, “dove” – A biblical name once popular among American and British upper classes
Kallista – Greek, “most beautiful” – Suggests classical education and appreciation of beauty
Lucasta – Created by poet Richard Lovelace, “pure light” – A literary name suggesting cultural refinement
Morwenna – Welsh, “maiden” – Suggests ancient British lineage and Celtic heritage
Nerissa – Greek, “sea nymph” – A Shakespearean name suggesting literary education
Ondine – Latin, “little wave” – Associated with water nymphs and European folklore
Portia – Latin, “offering” – Another Shakespearean heroine suggesting literary refinement
Quintana – Latin, “fifth” – Suggests orderly family planning and classical education
Reverie – French, “daydream” – Suggests contemplative nature and artistic sensibility
Sabina – Latin, “from the Sabine tribe” – An ancient Roman name suggesting classical heritage
Thaïs – Greek, name of an Athenian courtesan – Suggests classical education and appreciation of history
Undine – Latin, variant of “Ondine” – Associated with European folklore and water spirits
Venetia – Latin, “from Venice” – Suggests Italian connections and continental travel, used by British aristocracy
Wrexham – Welsh, named after the town – Suggests property ownership and Welsh heritage
Zenaide – Greek, feminine form of “Zeus” – Used by European royalty, suggesting divine connection

Gender-Neutral Old Money Names

Addison – English, “son of Adam” – Originally a surname that crossed into first-name territory, suggesting lineage and heritage.
Aubrey – Germanic, “elf ruler” – Historically used for males in aristocratic families, now considered elegantly gender-neutral.
Avery – English/French, “ruler of elves” – A name with magical connotations that has royal undertones.
Blair – Scottish, “plain, field” or “battlefield” – Suggests land ownership and has been used by prestigious families.
Campbell – Scottish, “crooked mouth” – A prominent clan name suggesting Highland heritage.
Darcy – French/Irish, “dark one” or “from Arcy” – Made famous by Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy, suggesting literary refinement.
Ellis – Welsh, “benevolent” – A surname turned first name with connections to Welsh gentry.
Emery – Germanic, “industrious ruler” – Suggests leadership and diligence, qualities valued in wealthy families.
Finley – Irish/Scottish, “fair warrior” – A Celtic name suggesting ancient lineage and bravery.
Gray/Grey – English, “gray-haired” or referring to the color – An understated surname-as-first-name suggesting dignity.
Harlow – English, “army hill” or “rock hill” – Suggests strategic land ownership and military connections.
Hollis – English, “dweller by the holly trees” – A nature name suggesting woodland property.
Kennedy – Irish, “helmeted chief” – Associated with one of America’s most prominent political dynasties.
Kingsley – English, “king’s meadow” – Suggests royal connections and land ownership.
Leighton – English, “meadow town” – A distinguished surname suggesting pastoral property.
Marlowe – English, “driftwood” – Has literary connections through playwright Christopher Marlowe.
Merritt – English, “boundary gate” – Suggests property boundaries and controlled access.
Monroe – Scottish, “mouth of the Roe River” – Associated with presidential lineage and Hollywood royalty.
Morgan – Welsh, “sea chief” or “sea defender” – Suggests maritime power and leadership.
Palmer – English, “pilgrim” – Originally denoted someone who had made a religious pilgrimage, suggesting piety and wealth.
Parker – English, “park keeper” – An occupational surname suggesting management of large estates.
Peyton – English, “Pacca’s town” – Suggests land ownership and settlement.
Pierce – English/French, “rock” or “son of Peter” – Suggests stability and has been used by American aristocracy.
Quinn – Irish, “counsel” or “intelligence” – A surname suggesting wisdom and thoughtful advice.
Reese – Welsh, “enthusiasm” – A name with Celtic heritage suggesting passion and energy.
Remy – French/Latin, “oarsman” – Suggests control and direction, with French aristocratic connections.
Ripley – English, “strip of clearing in the woods” – Suggests land ownership and management.
Rowan – Irish/Scottish, “little red one” or “rowan tree” – A nature name suggesting Celtic heritage.
Sage – Latin, “wise” – A virtue name suggesting wisdom and good counsel.
Schuyler – Dutch, “scholar” – A distinguished Dutch name from New York’s early aristocracy.
Sinclair – French/Scottish, “St. Clair” – Associated with one of Scotland’s most prominent noble families.
Sloane – Irish, “warrior” – Associated with the affluent Sloane Square area in London.
Spencer – English, “dispenser” or “steward” – Historically an occupational name for household management.
Sterling – English, “little star” or “of high quality” – Suggests worth and value, like sterling silver.
Sutton – English, “southern settlement” – A place name suggesting land ownership.
Tatum – English, “Tata’s homestead” – Suggests ancestral property and lineage.
Thorne – English, “thorn bush” – A nature name suggesting property boundaries.
Tristan – Celtic, “tumult” or “outcry” – Associated with Arthurian legend and nobility.
Vaughn – Welsh, “small” – A patrician Welsh name with understated elegance.
Waverly – English, “meadow of quivering aspens” – Suggests specific land ownership and literary connections.
Whitley – English, “white meadow” – A place name suggesting specific land ownership.
Whitney – English, “white island” – Associated with wealthy New England families.
Windsor – English, “riverbank with a windlass” – Associated with British royalty through the House of Windsor.
Winslow – English, “friend’s hill” – A prestigious name associated with Mayflower passengers and early American heritage.
Winter – English, the season – A seasonal name suggesting endurance and resilience.
Winthrop – English, “friendly village” – Associated with early American governors and Harvard founders.
Wright – English, “craftsman” – Suggests skilled work and artisanship, valued in aristocratic circles.
Yale – Welsh, “fertile upland” – Associated with the prestigious university and early American colonists.
Yardley – English, “enclosure from the yard” – Suggests property boundaries and land management.
Zayne – Hebrew variant of “John” meaning “God is gracious” – A distinctive name with religious undertones.

Old Money Family Surnames Used as First Names

Vanderbilt – Dutch, “from the Bilt” – Derived from the ultra-wealthy American family who built their fortune in shipping and railroads
Rockefeller – Germanic, “from Rockenfeld,” meaning “field of rye” – Associated with one of America’s wealthiest oil and banking dynasties
Astor – Germanic, “hawk” – Connected to the prominent fur-trading and real estate family of New York
Carnegie – Scottish, “fortress of the warrior” – Named after the steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie
Mellon – Irish, “lightning” – Connected to the banking family that established the National Gallery of Art
Rothschild – German, “red shield” – Associated with the international banking dynasty whose wealth spans centuries
Getty – English, possibly from “Geat’s island” – Named after the oil tycoon J. Paul Getty
Stanford – English, “stone ford” – Associated with railroad magnate Leland Stanford who founded Stanford University
Roosevelt – Dutch, “rose field” – Connected to the presidential family with old New York money
Morgan – Welsh, “sea chief” – Associated with the banking dynasty founded by J.P. Morgan
Dupont – French, “of the bridge” – Connected to the chemical and manufacturing empire
Hearst – English, “wooded hill” – Associated with the publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst
Cabot – French, “sea captain” – Connected to the Boston Brahmin family with shipping wealth
Peabody – English, “mountain dweller” – Associated with the prominent banking and philanthropic family
Forbes – Scottish, “field” – Connected to the publishing family and their fortune
Duke – English, “leader” – Associated with the tobacco and energy fortune of the Duke family
Phipps – Greek, “lover of horses” – Connected to the Carnegie Steel partner Henry Phipps
Belmont – French, “beautiful mountain” – Associated with the banking family who were major figures in thoroughbred horse racing
Whitney – English, “white island” – Connected to several wealthy branches including industrial and sporting dynasties
Lowell – English, “wolf hill” – Associated with the Boston Brahmin family known for literary and business achievements
Tiffany – Greek, “manifestation of God” – Connected to the luxury jewelry empire founder Charles Lewis Tiffany
Biddle – English, “residence by the birch trees” – Associated with the Philadelphia banking family
Havemeyer – German, “oat farmer” – Connected to the American Sugar Refining Company fortune
Wharton – English, “farm near the river” – Associated with the Philadelphia family and novelist Edith Wharton
Auchincloss – Scottish, “field of the ravine” – Connected to the prominent New York family with ties to the Kennedys
Pulitzer – Hungarian, possibly from “Politzer” – Associated with the publishing magnate and prize founder
Frick – German, “bold ruler” – Connected to the steel and art collecting fortune of Henry Clay Frick
Gould – English, “gold” – Associated with the railroad magnate Jay Gould
Harriman – English, “home of Herry” – Connected to the railroad baron E.H. Harriman
Lehman – German, “feudal vassal” – Associated with the banking family who founded Lehman Brothers
Villard – French, “from Villard” – Connected to the railroad financier Henry Villard
Schermerhorn – Dutch, “beautiful pond” – Associated with old New York shipping wealth
Flagler – German, “flail maker” – Connected to Standard Oil co-founder and Florida developer Henry Flagler
Drexel – German, “turner” – Associated with the Philadelphia banking family
Pyne – English, “pine tree” – Connected to the Princeton and financial family
Hutton – English, “settlement on a ridge” – Associated with the financial family of E.F. Hutton
Stuyvesant – Dutch, “sandy place” – Connected to one of New York’s oldest and wealthiest families
Payne – English, “villager” – Associated with Standard Oil wealth through the Payne-Whitney connection
Warburg – German, “fortress mountain” – Connected to the international banking family
Calhoun – Scottish/Irish, “from the narrow woods” – Associated with the political dynasty of John C. Calhoun
Delano – French, “of the night” – Connected to the Roosevelt family through FDR’s mother
Choate – English, derived from “Chute” meaning “deep gorge” – Associated with the prominent New England family
Saltonstall – English, “Salton’s homestead” – Connected to the Massachusetts political dynasty
Ripley – English, “strip clearing in the woods” – Associated with old New England wealth
Berwind – German, “bear wind” – Connected to the coal mining fortune of Edward Julius Berwind
Woolworth – English, “Wulfweard’s enclosure” – Associated with the five-and-dime store magnate
Altman – German, “old man” – Connected to the department store fortune of Benjamin Altman
Pillsbury – English, “fortified manor” – Associated with the flour milling dynasty
Cadwalader – Welsh, “battle leader” – Connected to one of Philadelphia’s oldest families
Rhinelander – German, “person from the Rhineland” – Associated with one of New York’s oldest real estate fortunes

Old Money Nicknames & Informal Variants

Skip – Originally used for a boy named after his father or grandfather, allowing families to “skip” directly to the third generation name
Trip/Tripp – Typically used for a “triple” or third-generation namesake (III), common in families where names are passed down
Kiki – A playful diminutive often used for girls named Katherine, Christine, or Kirsten in wealthy families
Bunny – A whimsical nickname often given to girls in upper-class families, particularly in the Northeast
Bitsy – Affectionately used for girls, suggesting something small but cherished, common among Southern aristocracy
Tippy – A playful nickname often used in old money families, particularly for girls with proper, longer given names
Mimi – Often used for girls named Mary, Margaret, or Michelle, or for grandmothers in affluent families
Poppy – A cheerful nickname sometimes derived from Penelope or simply given as an affectionate term
Muffy – Derived from Martha or Mary Frances, extremely common in prep school and country club circles
Buffy – Often for Elizabeth or Barbara, popularized by upper-class New England families
Biff – Typically for William or other B-named boys, suggesting athleticism and vigor
Pippa – A shortened form of Philippa, suggesting British aristocratic connections
Tipper – Originally a family nickname that became publicly known through Tipper Gore (born Mary Elizabeth)
Missy – Used for girls with formal names beginning with M, suggesting youthfulness
Corky – A spirited nickname often given to boys in sailing and equestrian circles
Boots – Often given to someone who wore or loved boots as a child, common in hunting families
Scooter – Suggesting someone quick and energetic, common among athletic boys in privileged families
Kit – Used for both Christopher and Katherine, has a sporty, outdoorsy connotation
Birdie – A sweet nickname often given to girls in established families, particularly in the South
Teddy – Used for Edward, Theodore, or Thaddeus, suggesting both stuffed bears and Roosevelt connections
Lissy – A diminutive of Elizabeth, softer than Lizzy and common in upper-class circles
Sunny – Given to children with cheerful dispositions, suggesting optimism and brightness
Pinky – Sometimes given to redheads or those with rosy complexions in privileged families
Jock – Not only suggesting athleticism but often used for boys named John in Scottish-heritage families
Hoppy – A lively nickname suggesting someone who was energetic as a child
Gigi – Often used for girls named Georgia, Georgina, or as a grandmother nickname in wealthy families
Fifi – A playful, French-inspired nickname often used for girls named Josephine or Fiona
Beau – Used for boys with formal names, suggesting handsomeness and gentlemanly qualities
Shep – A short form of Shepherd, originally a surname used as a nickname, suggesting pastoral wealth
Hacky – Common in golf and tennis circles, often derived from surnames or given to skilled “hackers”
Bibby – A playful diminutive often used for girls named Elizabeth in established Southern families
Buzz – Suggesting someone energetic or with a buzz cut, common in military-adjacent wealthy families
Mitzi – Often used for girls named Mary or Margaret, suggesting German or Austrian heritage
Didi – A playful nickname for girls named Diana or Dorothy in upper-class families
Boo – An affectionate term used particularly in Southern aristocratic families
Cubby – Suggesting someone who was chubby as a child, common in prep school circles
Pepper – Often given to someone with spunk or red hair in established families
Kippy – A spirited nickname often used for boys named Christopher or girls named Kimberly
Queenie – Sometimes given to the eldest daughter or a particularly regal family member
Rusty – Common for redheads named Russell or otherwise, suggesting both color and resilience
Binky – A whimsical nickname with no particular derivation, purely upper-class in connotation
Biddy – Originally short for Bridget, now used more broadly in established families
Winky – A playful nickname suggesting someone who winks or has a charming personality quirk
Jiffy – Suggesting someone quick or efficient, common in New England prep circles
Stubby – Often given to someone short in stature but strong in personality
Pinch – An unusual nickname sometimes given in sailing families or to those with a particular facial expression
Midge – Short for Margaret or Madeline, suggesting someone small but mighty
Flip – Often for Philip, suggesting someone who can “flip” between different social situations with ease
Lulu – Used for Louise or Louisa, suggesting someone lively and entertaining
Trey – Like “Trip,” used specifically for a third-generation namesake (III), common in banking families

Why Are Old Money Names Making a Comeback?

Old money names are suddenly everywhere!

The preppy, refined “old money aesthetic” trending on social media has revived interest in these classic choices.

After years of unique spellings and modern inventions, many parents now want names with history and staying power.

These traditional options feel grounded in our fast-changing world.

Shows like The Gilded Age and Succession have also sparked interest, making elegant names like Conrad and Theodora feel fresh again.

These names connect us to the past while still working perfectly for today’s children – carrying history and quiet confidence.

Conclusion

Looking back at all these amazing names, it’s easy to see why they’ve stood the test of time.

There’s something special about giving your child a name with real history behind it.

Old money names carry stories from the past while still feeling right at home in today’s world.

They don’t shout for attention – they simply know their worth.

Whether you’re drawn to these names for their family connections, their classic sound, or just because you love how they feel when you say them out loud, they’re a wonderful gift to give a child.

A name like this becomes part of who they are – timeless, confident, and connected to something bigger than themselves.

350 Old Money Names that Feel Like Royalty