When people think of “old money” names, they often picture traditional, timeless names tied to wealth, prestige, and a sense of family legacy. These names reflect a sense of heritage that has been passed down through generations.
Both for boys and girls, old money names tend to have a classic, understated elegance, favoring simplicity over modern trends.
What are Old Money Names?
Old money names are those often associated with established, wealthy families. These names are not flashy or trendy. Instead, they suggest refinement and tradition.
Families that carry old money names have often been influential for decades if not centuries. These names may carry a historical legacy, linking the person to a family history or significant figures from the past.
Below is a list of old money names for boys and girls you may want to choose for your child.
Old Money Names for Boys
Old money boys’ names tend to favor solid, one- or two-syllable names. Many of these names have royal or historical significance, often drawing from English or European history.
These names project confidence without sounding boastful. They are sturdy and dependable, like the family lines they often represent. Old money for boys include:
- William
A timeless and royal name, William has been used by kings and noblemen for centuries. One of the most notable figures is William Vanderbilt, from the wealthy and influential Vanderbilt family. - Charles
Charles is a name often linked to British royalty, symbolizing leadership and class. Charles Schwab, founder of the investment firm, represents a modern example of financial success with old money roots. - Henry
Historically linked to English kings, Henry is a strong and dignified name. Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company, was a pioneering figure in American industrial history. - Edward
A regal and traditional name, Edward conveys nobility and grace. Edward Kennedy, from the iconic political Kennedy family, is an example of its association with old money influence. - George
A name shared by numerous kings and leaders, George embodies authority and stability. George Washington, though not from old money, set the stage for America’s elite class with his prominent role in shaping the country. - James
James is another classic, royal name that conveys tradition and power. James Roosevelt, the father of Franklin D. Roosevelt, was part of an old money family with deep political roots. - Theodore
Theodore, meaning “gift of God,” is stately and sophisticated. Theodore Roosevelt, a member of one of the most influential American families, is a prominent bearer of this name. - Thomas
A popular name for centuries, Thomas has roots in Christianity and European nobility. Thomas Jefferson, a founding father of the United States, reflects the leadership and influence often tied to this name. - Alexander
Alexander is a strong and historical name, evoking images of ancient power. Alexander Hamilton, though not from old money himself, is associated with the upper echelons of American society through his founding of the nation’s financial system. - Arthur
Arthur, a name linked to the legendary King Arthur, suggests nobility and wisdom. Arthur Sulzberger, publisher of The New York Times, is part of a family that has long been associated with wealth and influence in media. - Frederick
Frederick has a long history in European nobility and royalty. Frederick Vanderbilt, part of the Vanderbilt dynasty, represents the prestige this name carries. - Richard
Richard, a name used by many kings and influential leaders, means “dominant ruler.” Richard Mellon Scaife, heir to the Mellon banking fortune, is a modern example of old money power. - Philip
Philip is a royal name, historically linked to European kings and nobles. Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh and husband to Queen Elizabeth II, embodies the connection to royalty. - Robert
Robert is a strong, classic name tied to leadership. Robert Kennedy, brother of President John F. Kennedy, was part of one of the most powerful American political families. - John
John has been used by countless leaders throughout history. John D. Rockefeller, one of the wealthiest men in American history, is a symbol of the name’s association with success and power. - Louis
Often associated with French royalty, Louis conveys sophistication and heritage. Louis Tiffany, of the Tiffany & Co. family, is a figure tied to old money through luxury and design. - Andrew
Andrew has long been a name connected to nobility and respect. Andrew Carnegie, a steel magnate, represents old money influence in the industrial age. - Samuel
Samuel has been a traditional name in American and British history. Samuel P. Chase, a key figure in the U.S. Treasury during the Civil War, represents wealth and influence. - Peter
A timeless and biblical name, Peter is connected to authority and integrity. Peter Cooper, an industrialist and philanthropist, is known for his deep ties to old New York money. - Harold
Harold, a name meaning “army ruler,” evokes leadership and tradition. Harold Vanderbilt, a descendant of Cornelius Vanderbilt, carried on the family’s legacy of power and wealth.
Old Money Names for Girls
Old money girls’ names typically have a feminine elegance while still maintaining a sense of strength. Many of these names favor traditional English roots but also appear in French, German, and other European cultures.
These names have survived through centuries of use, symbolizing dignity and grace. Old money names for girls include:
- Elizabeth
A name used by queens and empresses, Elizabeth symbolizes grace and leadership. Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, wife of Alexander Hamilton, was part of an old New York family. - Margaret
Margaret is a regal name often linked to royalty and nobility. Margaret Carnegie, daughter of Andrew Carnegie, carried forward her family’s philanthropic legacy. - Catherine
A classic royal name, Catherine has been borne by queens throughout history. Catherine de’ Medici, a queen of France, is a famous bearer tied to old European wealth. - Victoria
Victoria, made famous by Queen Victoria of England, embodies strength and authority. Victoria Rockefeller, a member of the prominent Rockefeller family, is another notable example. - Alice
Alice is elegant and timeless, often associated with high society. Alice Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, was a symbol of old American money and social influence. - Charlotte
A sophisticated name, Charlotte has royal ties, such as Princess Charlotte of Britain. The name evokes a sense of aristocracy and refinement. - Caroline
Caroline is a classic name that reflects dignity and nobility. Caroline Kennedy, daughter of John F. Kennedy, is a notable bearer from a wealthy and powerful family. - Eleanor
Eleanor has been carried by queens and leaders throughout history. Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady and advocate for human rights, is a famous example of old money influence. - Mary
A biblical and royal name, Mary suggests simplicity and grace. Mary Astor, from the wealthy Astor family, embodied the grace and social prominence the name suggests. - Anne
A regal and historical name, Anne is linked to queens and nobility. Anne Vanderbilt, part of the Vanderbilt dynasty, represents the name’s ties to American wealth. - Frances
A timeless name, Frances reflects sophistication and classic beauty. Frances Cleveland, wife of President Grover Cleveland, was a symbol of old money elegance. - Beatrice
Beatrice is a name tied to royalty and elegance. Beatrice Borromeo, a member of Italian nobility, is an example of old world money and heritage. - Louisa
Louisa, often associated with nobility, has a refined and delicate sound. Louisa Adams, wife of John Quincy Adams, comes from a family with deep historical ties to American leadership. - Helen
Helen, meaning “light,” is a name tied to classical beauty and strength. Helen Clay Frick, daughter of industrialist Henry Clay Frick, was part of a wealthy and philanthropic family. - Clara
Clara suggests simplicity and charm, often linked to old-fashioned refinement. Clara Barton, while not born into wealth, became a significant historical figure tied to philanthropy. - Sarah
A biblical and royal name, Sarah carries an air of respectability. Sarah Roosevelt, mother of Franklin D. Roosevelt, was a figure of old money New York society. - Grace
Grace conveys elegance and simplicity. Grace Kelly, who became Princess Grace of Monaco, is an example of how the name is tied to aristocracy and glamour. - Isabella
A name associated with queens and nobility, Isabella represents beauty and power. Isabella Stewart Gardner, a famous American art collector and socialite, ties the name to old money heritage. - Amelia
Amelia has a classic and elegant sound, often associated with upper-class families. Amelia Peabody, an archaeologist and heiress, was tied to old money through her influential family. - Diana
Diana is a name associated with royalty and elegance. Princess Diana, though of aristocratic birth, represents the grace and refinement tied to this name.
Why Old Money Names Remain Popular
Old money names have endured because they don’t follow trends. Instead of sounding modern or trendy, they carry a sense of legacy. These names are often chosen to reflect a family’s history or to link a child to a certain heritage. Choosing an old money name for your child is less about status and more about tradition.
These names convey respectability and offer a nod to the past, suggesting that the person who carries the name comes from a line of significance. Often, these names have been used for generations within families, creating continuity.
If you’re seeking a name that reflects a deep sense of history and prestige, old money names offer a wealth of timeless options for both boys and girls.