300+ Old Money Boy Names for Your Little Gentleman

Have you ever noticed how some names just sound wealthy?

There’s something about hearing “William” or “Alexander” that conjures images of prep schools, summer homes, and family crests.

Let’s dive into the world of old money boy names – those classic, dignified monikers that have adorned generation after generation of society’s elite.

Old Money Boy Names

• Albert – Germanic origin meaning “noble” or “bright.” This name has royal connections through Queen Victoria’s beloved husband, Prince Albert.
• Alexander – Greek origin meaning “defender of men.” A name carried by rulers and conquerors throughout history, notably Alexander the Great.
• Arthur – Celtic origin meaning “bear” or “stone.” Associated with the legendary King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.
• Bartholomew – Aramaic origin meaning “son of Talmai.” A biblical name with aristocratic flair that offers the friendly nickname “Bart.”
• Charles – Germanic origin meaning “free man.” A name held by numerous kings across Europe, particularly in England and France.
• Conrad – Germanic origin meaning “brave counsel.” Popular among European nobility throughout history.
• Douglas – Scottish origin meaning “dark water.” A prominent Scottish clan name that became a distinguished first name.
• Edmund – Old English origin meaning “prosperous protector.” Carried by several English kings and aristocrats.
• Edward – Old English origin meaning “wealthy guardian.” A classic royal name used by eight English kings.
• Frederick – Germanic origin meaning “peaceful ruler.” Common among European royalty, particularly in Prussia and Germany.
• George – Greek origin meaning “farmer” or “earth worker.” The name of six English kings and countless aristocrats.
• Harrison – English origin meaning “son of Harry.” A surname-turned-first-name common in prestigious families.
• Henry – Germanic origin meaning “ruler of the home.” A royal favorite with eight English kings bearing this name.
• Hugh – Germanic origin meaning “mind” or “spirit.” Popular among medieval European nobility.
• Jasper – Persian origin meaning “treasurer.” Associated with one of the Three Wise Men and English aristocracy.
• Julian – Latin origin meaning “youthful” or “downy-bearded.” Common among Roman noble families.
• Lawrence – Latin origin meaning “from Laurentum” or “laurel-crowned.” Associated with honor and victory.
• Montgomery – French origin meaning “man from the mountain.” A distinguished surname turned first name.
• Nathaniel – Hebrew origin meaning “gift of God.” A biblical name favored by early American settlers from prominent families.
• Philip – Greek origin meaning “lover of horses.” A name carried by European royalty, including kings of Spain and France.

For more distinctive boy name options, check out these medieval boy names

Timeless Old Money Boy Names

• Archibald – Germanic origin meaning “genuine” and “bold.” Often shortened to the aristocratic nickname “Archie.”
• Benedict – Latin origin meaning “blessed.” Associated with religious devotion and intellect.
• Clarence – Latin origin meaning “clear” or “bright.” A name that gained prominence in British aristocracy.
• Cornelius – Latin origin meaning “horn.” Common among wealthy Dutch settlers in early America.
• Everett – Germanic origin meaning “brave as a wild boar.” A distinguished surname that transitioned to first-name use.
• Franklin – English origin meaning “free landholder.” Made famous by founding father Benjamin Franklin and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• Gilbert – Germanic origin meaning “bright pledge.” A name found among Norman nobility after the conquest of England.
• Harold – Old English origin meaning “army ruler.” Carried by English kings and nobility.
• Howard – Old Norse origin meaning “high guardian.” A noble surname that became a distinguished first name.
• Josiah – Hebrew origin meaning “God supports.” A biblical name popular among early American gentry.
• Kenneth – Gaelic origin meaning “handsome” or “born of fire.” A name of Scottish kings.
• Malcolm – Scottish origin meaning “devotee of Saint Columba.” Carried by several Scottish kings.
• Mortimer – French origin meaning “dead sea” or “still water.” Common among Norman nobility.
• Oliver – Latin origin meaning “olive tree” (a symbol of peace). Has seen consistent use among European upper classes.
• Piers – Greek origin, variant of Peter meaning “rock.” Common in English aristocratic families.
• Quentin – Latin origin meaning “fifth.” Often used to denote the fifth child in aristocratic families.
• Reginald – Germanic origin meaning “counsel” and “power.” A name that’s been popular among English gentry.
• Theodore – Greek origin meaning “gift of God.” Carried by presidents and aristocrats alike.
• Vincent – Latin origin meaning “conquering.” Associated with strength and cultivation.
• Winston – Old English origin meaning “joyful stone.” Forever associated with the aristocratic Churchill family.

If you prefer names with strength and power, explore these powerful last names

Old Money Baby Boy Names

• Ambrose – Greek origin meaning “immortal.” A name with both aristocratic and religious significance.
• Bradford – English origin meaning “broad river crossing.” A distinguished surname that became a first name in elite circles.
• Cormac – Irish origin meaning “charioteer.” A name of Irish kings and nobility.
• Dexter – Latin origin meaning “right-handed” or “skilled.” Traditionally a surname before becoming a sophisticated first name.
• Elliott – Hebrew origin meaning “the Lord is my God.” A name that traversed from surname to distinguished first name.
• Fitzgerald – Irish origin meaning “son of Gerald.” A classic example of a prestigious surname becoming a first name.
• Graham – Scottish origin meaning “gravelly homestead.” A distinguished clan name turned first name.
• Hamilton – English origin meaning “beautiful mountain.” Made famous by founding father Alexander Hamilton.
• Irving – Scottish origin meaning “green water.” A distinguished surname that became a first name in upper-class families.
• Jefferson – English origin meaning “son of Jeffrey.” Forever associated with founding father Thomas Jefferson.
• Kimball – English origin meaning “leader of war.” A surname that transformed into a prestigious first name.
• Lowell – English origin meaning “beloved wolf.” Associated with the Boston Brahmin Lowell family.
• Marshall – French origin meaning “keeper of horses.” Originally an occupational surname of high status.
• Neville – French origin meaning “new village.” A name with deep roots in British aristocracy.
• Orson – Latin origin meaning “bear cub.” Used by distinguished families, particularly in England.
• Pierce – English form of Peter, meaning “rock.” Used by aristocratic families in Britain and America.
• Randolph – Germanic origin meaning “shield wolf.” A distinguished name in both British and American high society.
• Sterling – English origin meaning “little star” or referring to high-quality silver. Connotes value and quality.
• Thaddeus – Aramaic origin meaning “heart” or “courageous.” A biblical name favored by aristocratic families.
• Warwick – English origin meaning “settlement by the weir.” Named after an earldom in England.

For a completely different style, check out these Japanese boy names

English Old Money Names For Boys

• Alastair – Scottish variant of Alexander meaning “defender of mankind.” Popular among British aristocracy.
• Basil – Greek origin meaning “royal” or “kingly.” A name with long-standing use in English upper classes.
• Cecil – Latin origin meaning “blind.” Made famous by the powerful Cecil family who served as advisors to English monarchs.
• Digby – English origin meaning “from the ditch settlement.” A distinctly English aristocratic name.
• Eustace – Greek origin meaning “fruitful” or “productive.” Common among Norman nobility in England.
• Felix – Latin origin meaning “happy” or “fortunate.” A favorite among English gentry.
• Giles – Greek origin meaning “shield.” A traditional name in English aristocratic families.
• Hector – Greek origin meaning “holding fast.” While Greek in origin, it became popular among English nobility.
• Inigo – Basque form of Ignatius meaning “fiery.” Introduced to English aristocracy through architecture and arts.
• Jocelyn – Germanic origin meaning “member of the Gauts tribe.” Used by Norman aristocrats after the conquest.
• Kingsley – Old English origin meaning “king’s meadow.” A distinguished English surname-turned-first-name.
• Lionel – Latin origin meaning “young lion.” A name with royal connotations in English history.
• Montague – French origin meaning “pointed mountain.” Made famous by the aristocratic family in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
• Nigel – Irish origin meaning “champion.” Became particularly popular among English gentry.
• Peregrine – Latin origin meaning “traveler” or “pilgrim.” Used by aristocratic English families.
• Rupert – Germanic form of Robert meaning “bright fame.” A name favored by English upper classes.
• Sheridan – Irish origin meaning “wild.” A distinguished surname that became a first name among English elite.
• Tristram – Celtic origin meaning “sad” or “sorrowful.” Associated with Arthurian legend and English nobility.
• Vaughn – Welsh origin meaning “small.” A surname that became a distinctive first name among English gentry.
• Willoughby – English origin meaning “farm near the willows.” A distinguished surname used as a first name in high society.

For names with royal connections, explore these Scottish boy names

American Old Money Names For Boys

• Aldrich – Old English origin meaning “old, wise ruler.” Associated with prestigious New England families.
• Brooks – English origin meaning “of the brook.” A surname that became a popular first name among American aristocracy.
• Cabot – French origin with no clear meaning. Associated with the Boston Brahmin Cabot family.
• Delano – French origin meaning “of the night.” Made famous as Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s middle name.
• Elbridge – English origin, a combination of elements meaning “elder bridge.” Used by founding fathers and early American elites.
• Forbes – Scottish origin meaning “wealthy.” Associated with the wealthy Forbes publishing family in America.
• Gardiner – English occupational name meaning “gardener.” Common among early New York and New England elite families.
• Hancock – English origin meaning “hand cock” (rooster). Forever associated with founding father John Hancock.
• Ingersoll – English origin meaning “Ingjar’s hill.” A distinguished name in American political history.
• Junius – Latin origin meaning “youth.” Used by several prominent early American families.
• Knickerbocker – Dutch origin referring to settlers in New York. Synonymous with old New York aristocracy.
• Leland – English origin meaning “meadow land.” Associated with the Stanford family who founded Stanford University.
• Minturn – English origin of uncertain meaning. A name associated with New York shipping magnates.
• Nicholson – English origin meaning “son of Nicholas.” A distinguished name in American maritime and business history.
• Ogden – English origin meaning “oak valley.” Common among early American aristocracy.
• Prescott – English origin meaning “priest’s cottage.” A name associated with Boston Brahmin families.
• Rossiter – English origin, possibly meaning “horse keeper.” Found among early New England settlers of distinction.
• Schuyler – Dutch origin meaning “scholar.” Associated with the prominent Schuyler family of New York.
• Thorndike – English origin meaning “thorn ditch.” A distinguished name in early American education and business.
• Winthrop – English origin meaning “friendly village.” Associated with John Winthrop, early governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony.

For more American-inspired naming ideas, check out these cowboy last names

What Makes a Name “Old Money”?

Old money refers to wealth that’s been in families for generations, as opposed to newly acquired riches. The names associated with this heritage carry a certain weight and tradition that modern or trendy names simply don’t have.

These names are like well-made leather shoes – they might not be the flashiest option in the store, but they’re timeless, refined, and never go out of style. Parents drawn to these names often appreciate their:

• Classic staying power
• Rich historical connections
• Subtle sophistication
• Family heritage significance

Unlike names that spike in popularity based on celebrities or pop culture, old money names have remained consistently admired throughout decades or even centuries. They whisper of heritage rather than shout for attention.

The Historical Context of Old Money Names

Old money names have deep roots in aristocratic families, European nobility, and American high society. Many can be traced back to:

• British royalty and nobility
• Old New England families
• Southern plantation owners
• European aristocratic houses
• Banking and industrial dynasties

Take the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, or Kennedys – these families passed down not just wealth but also naming traditions that signaled their place in society. Many boys received family surnames as first or middle names, creating an instant connection to their lineage and inheritance.

Learn more about other family naming traditions with these elegant Irish last names

Key Characteristics of Old Money Boy Names

What exactly makes a name sound “old money”? These names typically share several distinctive qualities:

Linguistic Origins

Most old money names have roots in:

• Latin
• Greek
• Germanic languages
• Old English
• French
• Biblical Hebrew

Meaning and Character

These names often convey qualities valued in upper-class society:

• Leadership and strength (Alexander, meaning “defender of men”)
• Nobility and wisdom (Alfred, meaning “wise counselor”)
• Wealth and protection (Edward, meaning “wealthy guardian”)
• Honor and dignity (Philip, meaning “lover of horses” – horses being symbols of nobility)

Length and Syllables

Old money names tend to be:

• Two to three syllables
• Neither too short nor too long
• Easy to pronounce in multiple languages
• Difficult to create nicknames from (though traditional diminutives are acceptable)

The Top 50+ Old Money Boy Names

Let’s explore some of the most distinguished old money names for boys, along with their origins and meanings:

Name	Origin	Meaning
Albert	Germanic	Noble, bright
Alexander	Greek	Defender of men
Alfred	Old English	Wise counselor
Andrew	Greek	Manly, brave
Anthony	Latin	Priceless one
Arthur	Celtic	Bear, stone
August	Latin	Majestic, venerable
Benjamin	Hebrew	Son of the right hand
Bradford	English	Broad river crossing
Brooks	English	Of the brook
Charles	Germanic	Free man
Christopher	Greek	Christ-bearer
Conrad	Germanic	Brave counsel
Cornelius	Latin	Horn
Dashiell	French	Page boy
Dean	English	Valley, church official
Douglas	Scottish	Dark water
Edmund	Old English	Wealthy protector
Edward	Old English	Wealthy guardian
Elliott	Hebrew/English	The Lord is my God
Emerson	German	Son of Emery
Everett	Old English	Brave, strong boar
Frederick	Germanic	Peaceful ruler
George	Greek	Farmer, earth worker
Graham	Scottish	Gravelly homestead
Gregory	Greek	Watchful, alert
Harrison	English	Son of Harry
Henry	Germanic	Ruler of the home
Howard	Norse	High guardian
Hugh	Germanic	Mind, spirit
Humphrey	Germanic	Peaceful warrior
Ian	Scottish	God is gracious
James	Hebrew	Supplanter
Jonathan	Hebrew	Gift of Jehovah
Lawrence	Latin	Laurel-crowned
Louis	Germanic	Famous warrior
Maxwell	Scottish	Great stream
Montgomery	French	Man from the mountain
Nathaniel	Hebrew	Gift of God
Nicholas	Greek	Victory of the people
Oliver	Latin/Norse	Olive tree/ancestor
Philip	Greek	Lover of horses
Preston	English	Priest’s town
Quentin	Latin	Fifth
Reginald	Germanic	Counsel, power
Richard	Germanic	Strong ruler
Robert	Germanic	Bright fame
Samuel	Hebrew	Heard by God
Sebastian	Greek	Revered
Theodore	Greek	Gift of God
Thomas	Aramaic	Twin
Timothy	Greek	Honoring God
Vincent	Latin	Conquering
Walter	Germanic	Ruler of the army
William	Germanic	Resolute protector
Winston	Old English	Joyful stone

Some of these names have been particularly popular among royalty and aristocracy. Names like William, Charles, Henry, Edward, and George have been used repeatedly by British monarchs, while Theodore, Franklin, and Thomas have graced American presidents from prestigious families.

If you prefer shorter names, check out these one syllable boy names

Surnames as First Names: A Hallmark of Old Money

One distinctly old money tradition is using family surnames as first names. This practice connects a child directly to his family heritage and preserves important family names that might otherwise be lost.

Some examples include:

• Harrison (son of Harry)
• Jefferson (son of Jeffrey)
• Montgomery (from the ancestral home)
• Preston (from “priest’s town”)
• Whitaker (from “white field”)
• Windsor (from the royal house)

This tradition was especially popular among Southern aristocratic families and New England blue bloods. It’s a subtle way of announcing family connections without being ostentatious.

How to Choose the Perfect Old Money Name

If you’re drawn to old money names for your son, here are some tips for making the perfect choice:

1. Research your own family tree – Perhaps there’s a distinguished family surname or ancestral name you could revive
2. Consider your last name – The flow between first and last is crucial for that refined sound
3. Test the initials – Avoid unfortunate combinations
4. Think about nicknames – Many old money names come with traditional nicknames (William → Will, Edward → Ted)
5. Pair with a meaningful middle name – Either another family name or something complementary

Remember that true old money naming isn’t about flashiness – it’s about subtle refinement and connection to heritage.

Old Money Names in Pop Culture and History

These names have been immortalized by notable figures throughout history and portrayed in literature and film as symbols of wealth and status:

Historical Figures

• Winston Churchill – Prime Minister of Great Britain
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt – American President from a wealthy New York family
• Theodore Roosevelt – His cousin, also President and from the same elite family
• William Randolph Hearst – Publishing magnate

Literary and Film Characters

• Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pride and Prejudice
• Charles Foster Kane from Citizen Kane
• Gatsby (though his first name, Jay, was self-chosen) from The Great Gatsby
• Blair Waldorf’s father Harold in Gossip Girl

These cultural references have only strengthened the association between certain names and wealth, refinement, and social standing.

International Variations of Old Money Names

Old money exists across cultures, and many classic names have international variants that carry the same prestigious weight:

• Alexander → Alejandro (Spanish), Alessandro (Italian), Alexandros (Greek)
• Charles → Karl (German), Carlo (Italian), Carlos (Spanish)
• Henry → Henri (French), Enrico (Italian), Heinrich (German)
• John → Jean (French), Johann (German), Giovanni (Italian)
• William → Wilhelm (German), Guillaume (French), Guillermo (Spanish)

In France, noble names often include particles like “de” or “du,” while German aristocratic names might include “von.” These naming patterns signal old money status across different cultures.

Explore more international naming options with these French boy names

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Money Names

Are old money names always traditional?

While most are traditional, some old money families embrace unique names that have been in their family for generations. The key is that they have historical significance rather than being trendy or newly invented.

Can an old money name help my child’s future prospects?

Studies have shown that names can influence perceptions in job applications and other situations. Names associated with upper-class backgrounds may confer subtle advantages, though a name alone doesn’t guarantee success or acceptance.

Do old money names sound pretentious?

It all depends on your perspective and how the name fits your child and family. Many old money names are simply classic and timeless rather than pretentious. The key is choosing a name for its meaning and family connection, not just for its status implications.

How do I know if a name is truly “old money”?

Research is your friend! Look into:

• Names of European nobility and royalty
• Names common among early American founding families
• Names that have remained consistently popular (but never trendy) for centuries
• Names with Latin, Greek, or Germanic roots that convey strength and leadership

The Enduring Appeal of Old Money Boy Names

In a world where trendy names come and go, there’s something reassuring about giving your son a name that has stood the test of time. Old money names carry a quiet confidence and understated elegance that never goes out of style.

Whether you’re drawn to these names for their family connections, historical significance, or simply their classic sound, they offer a solid foundation for your son’s identity. Like a well-tailored suit or a classic watch, they’re an investment in timelessness rather than a fleeting trend.

When choosing a name for your son, consider the legacy you’re giving him – not just in terms of social perception, but in connecting him to history, tradition, and the enduring values these names have come to represent.

For more naming inspiration, check out these strong boy names that convey power and confidence

What’s your favorite old money boy name? Is there a classic family name you’re considering reviving for the next generation? Whatever you choose, remember that the most important thing is finding a name that feels right for your family and the child who’ll carry it through life.