Old money names have a timeless charm, evoking a sense of tradition and elegance. They often carry a rich history and cultural significance, making them a popular choice for parents looking for unique and sophisticated names for their children. Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of names like Charlotte and Alexander or the more distinctive appeal of names like Eloise and Jasper, this ultimate list of 255 old money names for girls and boys is sure to inspire you.
BUT WHAT ARE OLD MONEY BABY NAMES?
Old money names are often associated with aristocratic families, long-established landowners, and high society individuals. These names, many of which have been passed down through generations, reflect centuries of wealth and status. The families behind these names have maintained their affluence over time, and their names carry a sense of sophistication, classic elegance, and timeless appeal.
WHAT MAKES A NAME, OLD MONEY?
Several key factors distinguish old money names from others.
For one, families with old money have typically been established for longer, allowing their names to evolve and gain prestige over time. Many of these families have inherited their wealth, rather than earning it through business ventures or new fortunes. Their names often evoke a sense of aristocratic refinement, with a long history of involvement in politics, philanthropy, or the arts.
Additionally, old money individuals are usually well-educated and hold a deep respect for tradition, etiquette, and modesty. Unlike new money, they tend not to flaunt their wealth or seek attention for it.
While some old money first names may have fallen out of favor in recent years, many still remain as timeless as ever.
If you’re looking to name a book character with an old-money feel or want to give your child a name that exudes wealth and sophistication, this is the perfect post for you. Below, we’ll explore popular old money names for both boys and girls, as well as classic English and American old money names.
OLD MONEY NAMES FOR BOYS
- Alastor (defender, avenger)
- Alexander (defender of mankind)
- Ambrose (immortal)
- Andrew (strong, manly, brave)
- Archibald (genuine, bold, brave)
- Arthur (bear)
- Astor (hawk)
- Benedict (blessed)
- Benjamin (son of the right hand, son of the south)
- Bertrand (intelligent, bright)
- Bradford (broad ford, wide river crossing)
- Byron (cowshed)
- Cameron (crooked nose)
- Carmichael (follower of Michael)
- Cecil (blind)
- Charles (freeman)
- Christopher (bearer of Christ)
- Daniel (God is my judge)
- Darby (free from envy or deer park)
- David (beloved)
- Davis (son of David or beloved)
- Edmund (wealthy protector)
- Edward (wealthy guardian)
- Elliot (the Lord is my God)
- Everett (brave, strong boar)
- Fitzgerald (son of spear-ruler)
- Francis (free man or Frenchman)
- Frederick (peaceful ruler)
- George (farmer)
- Gordon (great hill or marshes)
- Gregory (watchful, vigilant)
- Harold (army ruler)
- Harrison (son of Harry)
- Heathcliff (heath near a cliff)
- Henry (ruler of the home)
- Huxley (Hugh’s meadow)
- Jacob (supplanter)
- James (supplanter)
- Jasper (master of treasure)
- Judas (praised)
- Leland (one who lives by unseeded land)
- Leonardo (brave lion)
- Michael (gift from God)
- Preston (priest’s town)
- Quincy (estate of the fifth son)
- Richard (dominant, brave, or proud ruler)
- Royce (son of the king)
- Spencer (steward, administrator, provider)
- Sutton (from the southern homestead)
- Thatcher (roof thatcher)
- Wallace (stranger)
- William (protector)
OLD MONEY NAMES FOR GIRLS
- Agatha (good)
- Agnes (pure, chaste, holy)
- Angela (angel, messenger of God)
- Anna (grace)
- Anne (favor, grace)
- Audrey (noble strength)
- Blaire (field of battle)
- Blythe (happy, carefree)
- Brigid (exalted one, strength)
- Catherine (pure)
- Celine (heavenly)
- Claire (clear, bright)
- Clara (clear, bright)
- Clarissa (clear, bright, famous)
- Constance (steadfast, constant)
- Dinah (justified, God will judge)
- Doris (gift from the sea)
- Dorothy (gift of God)
- Elizabeth (God is my oath)
- Eloise (healthy, wide)
- Emily (rival, eager, strive)
- Emma (whole, universal)
- Etta (ruler of the hearth or home)
- Fiona (fair, pale, white)
- Grace (goodness, generosity)
- Helene (shining light)
- Holly (refuge, tree, shrub)
- Josephine (God will increase)
- Madelyn (high tower or tearful)
- Margaret (pearl)
- Martha (lady, mistress)
- Meredith (great ruler or great lady)
- Mildred (gentle strength)
- Octavia (eighth)
- Ophelia (aid, benefit, help)
- Prudence (wise, skilled)
- Thomasina (twin)
- Veronica (victory bringer, truth)
OLD MONEY ENGLISH NAMES
ENGLISH OLD MONEY NAMES FOR BOYS
- Adrian
- Alastair
- Albert
- Alfred
- Anthony
- Bruce
- Colin
- Conroy
- Constantine
- Ernest
- Fergus
- Granville
- Guy
- Hugh
- Iain
- Ian
- John
- Joseph
- Julian
- Kimble
- Laurence
- Leopold
- Malcolm
- Maurice
- Merlin
- Murray
- Neil
- Nicholas
- Nigel
- Patrick
- Paul
- Percival
- Peregrine
- Peter
- Philip
- Quentin
- Ralph
- Randolph
- Robert
- Roger
- Rufus
- Rupert
- Sebastian
- Seymour
- Simon
- Stewart
- Timothy
- Torquil
ENGLISH OLD MONEY NAMES FOR GIRLS
- Albertha
- Alexandra
- Alice
- Amelia
- Augusta
- Barbara
- Beatrice
- Carolina
- Charlotte
- Cressida
- Daphne
- Davina
- Diana
- Dorothea
- Edith
- Edwina
- Eleanor
- Emmeline
- Esme
- Eugenie
- Evelyn
- Frederica
- Georgiana
- Gertrude
- Harriet
- Helena
- Henrietta
- Hermione
- Irene
- Isabella
- Jane
- Jean
- Jeanne
- Joan
- Louise
- Lucy
- Mabel
- Marie
- Maud
- Patricia
- Penelope
- Phillipa
- Portia
- Primrose
- Priscilla
- Sophia
- Susan
- Victoria
- Violet
- Willa
OLD MONEY AMERICAN NAMES
AMERICAN OLD MONEY NAMES FOR BOYS
- Alexis
- Anderson
- Augustus
- Avery
- Caldwell
- Carter
- Clifford
- Coleman
- Cornelius
- Delancey
- Erwin
- Eugene
- Franklin
- Gavin
- Gilbert
- Godfrey
- Herbert
- Ivan
- Ivor
- Justin
- Kennedy
- Lammot
- Laurance
- Lewis
- Louis
- Mark
- Marshall
- Matthew
- Nelson
- Percy
- Pierre
- Reginald
- Rodman
- Samuel
- Shirley
- Spelman
- Steven
- Theodore
- Victor
- Winthrop
- Walter
AMERICAN OLD MONEY NAMES FOR GIRLS
- Abigail
- Abra
- Alida
- Amy
- Ava
- Cathleen
- Consuelo
- Cornelia
- Esther
- Flora
- Florence
- Gladys
- Gloria
- Hope
- Katherine
- Lila
- Lydia
- Marion
- Nichola
- Rosemary
- Ruth
- Sybil
- Sylvia
- Victorine
- Zara
CONCLUSION
Old money families often choose classic first names for their children, aiming for names that will never lose their elegance or charm. These timeless names are often passed down through generations, carrying a sense of heritage and continuity. Many families also favor names that are associated with wealth, privilege, and prestige, giving their children an inherent sense of distinction. By selecting such names, parents hope to offer their children an edge in life, ensuring they stand out in any social or professional setting. We hope you’ll soon find the perfect name for your baby that reflects this legacy.
