Best Old Money Names That You Should Consider for Your Baby

Choosing baby names is difficult. Many parents go for old-money baby names since they usually represent status, class, and elegance. There is no proof that such names actually help with better social standing or earning, but it is still a widespread belief that these names can prove to be helpful.

Old Money means people who have inherited generational wealth. Some good old family names from American history are Astor, Livingston, Schermerhorn, and de Peyster. Some other famous old money names are Schuyler, Van Rensselaer, Rhinelander, Jay, Chanler, Whitney, etc. Old MoneyMoney is an aesthetic based on a wealthy, sophisticated, and classic style.

What Is Old Money?

Families or people that have maintained wealth and social prestige for many generations—often going back to the colonial or early industrial eras—are referred to as Old Money. They often belong to elite social circles and have great education and fortune.

A certain degree of sophistication, elegance, and cultural capital is suggested by the phrase “Old Money,” as well as a sense of duty to uphold the family’s tradition and past. Old Money families may be active in a variety of social and cultural organizations and frequently have a strong sense of community and generosity.

These names could prove to be of much significance for people who want to pass on family or racial heritage; some people would give their kids Greek or Hebrew names because their families are from those origins.

Contrarily, “New Money” refers to people or families who have just become wealthy as a result of entrepreneurship or financial success and may be viewed in high society as less polished or established. This divide is not always obvious, and people and families can switch between the two over time.

What Are Old Money Names?

Old Money names often relate to the last names of long-established wealthy and affluent families. These names could be connected to illustrious organizations, restricted groups, and affluent social circles. Old Money names include:

• Astor
• Rockefeller
• Vanderbilt
• Carnegie
• DuPont
• Whitney
• Roosevelt
• Kennedy
• Morgan
• Mellon

These names do not represent social standing or financial success. While individuals outside of these families may have gained significant wealth and power through the years, it is common for the descendants of these families to have lost their riches or social prominence. Old Money is more about inherited money and social standing than about individual accomplishments or aptitude.

What Are Some of The Old Money Names You Can Use for Your Baby Boy?

It’s worth noting that using an Old Money name for your baby boy does not guarantee that he will have wealth and privilege. But if you want a little inspiration, here are a few examples of Old Money names that could be used for a baby boy:

• William (Vanderbilt)
• John (Rockefeller)
• Andrew (Carnegie)
• Cornelius (Vanderbilt)
• Augustus (Saint-Gaudens)
• Franklin (Roosevelt)
• Reginald (Vanderbilt)
• Edgar (Poe)
• Winthrop (Rockefeller)
• Prescott (Bush)

What Are Some of The Old Money Names You Can Use for Your Baby Girl?

As with using Old Money names for boys, using an Old Money name for your baby girl does not guarantee that she will enjoy wealth. But just for the sake of a little inspiration, here are some examples of Old Money baby girl names:

• Caroline (Kennedy)
• Cornelia (Vanderbilt)
• Edith (Wharton)
• Eleanor (Roosevelt)
• Gertrude (Vanderbilt)
• Grace (Kelly)
• Jacqueline (Kennedy)
• Louisa (May Alcott)
• Marian (Cummings)
• Sylvia (Plath)

Why Do People Pick Old Money Names?

Different people have different reasons when using Old Money names. We’ll go through some of the reasons for making this decision, such as a desire for tradition and legacy, an interest in history and nostalgia, and a perception of an association with elegance and refinement.

Tradition and Heritage

People’s desire to have a sense of connection to history and lineage may lead them to pick Old Money baby names. Old Money names often have a rich and colorful history, with links to illustrious families and significant historical people. Parents may believe they are respecting the family’s history and handing on continuance and heritage by giving their child an Old Money name.

A family’s history and ancestry can sometimes be reflected in an Old Money name. For instance, a family with long-standing ties to the United States can choose an Old Money name that is connected to American nobility, like Roosevelt or Vanderbilt. A family of European lineage may instead choose a name that brings to mind images of British or French royalty, like Windsor or Bourbon.

Fascination with History and Nostalgia

A connection with history and a sense of nostalgia are two more reasons why people would prefer Old Money names. Old Money names can whip up thoughts of magnificent estates, masquerade balls, and luxurious lives from bygone centuries. Using an Old Money name may be seen as a wish to connect with a romanticized past or a yearning for a simpler, genteel era by some.

Association with Sophistication and Refinement

Last but not least, people may choose Old Money names because they believe them to be more sophisticated and refined. Old Money names are strongly associated with elite clubs, high society, and esteemed academic institutions. Parents may believe that by giving their child an Old Money name, they are putting them on the road to prosperity and social acceptance while also instilling in them a feeling of elegance and class.

What Are Some Popular Old Money Names?

Old Money family names are often associated with wealthy and influential families that have maintained their social status and prestige over multiple generations. Here are some of the most popular Old Money names:

These Old Money names have become synonymous with wealth, power, and social status and are often considered aspirational names for parents seeking to give their children a sense of prestige and distinction.  But one should know that a name alone has nothing to do with a person’s success or social status and that individual talent, hard work, and values are also important factors in achieving success and fulfillment.

Can You Take Inspiration From Classic Books and Movies?

Yes, classic books and movies can prove to be excellent inspirations for names. Many of these works have stood the test of time and are still widely read and watched today, so their characters’ names can have a timeless quality that may appeal to parents looking for a classic, traditional name. Here are a few examples:

1. Pride and Prejudice: Jane Austen’s classic novel is a treasure trove of elegant and sophisticated names, including Elizabeth, Jane, Caroline, Fitzwilliam, and Georgiana.
2. The Great Gatsby: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s story takes place in the twenties, a time of decadence and excess, and features names like Jay, Daisy, Jordan, and Myrtle.
3. Gone with the Wind: Margaret Mitchell’s epic novel set during the American Civil War features classic names like Scarlett, Ashley, Melanie, and Rhett.
4. To Kill a Mockingbird: This novel, set in the Deep South in the 1930s, has timeless names like Atticus, Scout, and Jem.
5. Little Women: Louisa May Alcott’s novel about four sisters growing up in the 19th century features charming names like Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy.
6. Casablanca: This classic movie set during World War II features the romantic names of Rick and Ilsa.
7. The Godfather: This iconic movie features names like Michael, Vito, and Sonny, which have a strong Italian heritage.
8. The Sound of Music: This beloved musical features names like Maria, Liesl, Friedrich, and Gretl, which have a classic and timeless quality.

In conclusion, classic books and movies can give you some great ideas to name your baby. The characters’ names often have a timeless quality that can be appealing to parents seeking a traditional or classic name. Additionally, these names may carry cultural or literary associations that hold personal significance for the parents.

List of Royal Names

Here is a list of some common royal names:

1. William
2. Henry
3. Charles
4. George
5. Edward
6. James
7. Alexander
8. Victoria
9. Elizabeth
10. Mary
11. Catherine
12. Margaret
13. Anne
14. Philip
15. Arthur
16. Richard
17. John
18. Stephen
19. David
20. Andrew

These names have a long history of use among royals in various countries, and some of them have been popular for centuries. They often carry a sense of tradition, prestige, and regalness, which may make them appealing to parents seeking a name with a sense of grandeur. However, a name will never be the defining factor of a person’s worth or social status, and individual talents, hard work, and individual values are also important factors in achieving success and fulfillment.

Bottom Line

Old Money baby names are usually linked with wealthy families and sound rich, which is why many parents want to give them to their children. They believe that this can increase their good luck and will help them raise their social status. But, as mentioned before, a name is not the factor that determines the future or success. The entire concept of Old Money is rooted in inherited wealth and social status.