Ivy-covered walls, a vast library, university-branded sweaters and pressed uniforms are some of the features. If you’re into the elite, intellectual atmosphere of prestigious universities, maybe you’re interested in Ivy League baby names. These nicknames sound classic, noble, and serious. To the boy sitting in the front row of the class, they sound comfortable writing down every word the professor said, or to the girl near the back, translating the Latin assignment she is due next class.
Dark academia is all the rage this year, with people online decorating and decorating their homes in a slightly gothic, old-college style. So it makes sense that more and more new parents might be looking for baby names that fit this vibe, too. Of course, a name alone doesn’t guarantee that your child is actually a little genius (nor should you worry about that), but if you like everything about dark academia, then these types of names will definitely appeal to you.
Whether you want something timeless (like Jane or William) or something less common (like Thomasin or Whitaker), all of these Ivy League baby names sound like they belong to someone from Harvard The name of the seminar.
01Camden
Camden means “enclosed valley” and is also the name of a trendy neighborhood in London known for its fashionable destinations where creatives and celebrities flock to. Elite”. This is also a great gender-neutral option.
02Camille
This French name really has all the luxury appeal you could ask for. It means “priest’s assistant” and is also related to Roman mythology, so it will feel like a cultured choice for your child.
03Claire
For a feminine, monosyllabic Ive League baby name, you really can’t beat Claire. It’s a French name that means “bright,” and it sounds appropriate for a girl in a pressed uniform with impossibly shiny hair wandering the halls of an academic institution.
04Dean
Maybe because it’s an administrative title in an academic setting, or because gilmore girls league, but Dean just screams Ivy League. If you want something similar but a little longer, The Deacon is very similar, albeit in a more faith-based sense.
05eugene
Eugene has all the upper-class appeal you could ask for. First, it means “noble” or “well-born” and has an old world charm to it – it was most popular in the 19th and 20th centuries.
06simple
It’s a classic for a reason. Jane is a gorgeous name that means “God is merciful.” It peaked in popularity in the 1940s, but has also made a comeback in this century. Any timeless name fits into the Ivy League baby name category.
07Merritt
Merritt feels like the new Elliot—gender-neutral, super cool, and with a last name. Merritt means “border gate,” which seemed like the perfect name for a newborn baby. You want them to stand up for themselves and their place in the world and accept all opportunities that come before them.
08Nathaniel
Nathaniel’s academic voice depends on everyone calling him by his full name, which may not always be the case, but you can certainly use the entire name at home. It’s a Hebrew boy’s name that means “God-given,” and if you have a religious family, it’s a sweet choice to be a blessing for your little one.
09Pippa
I thought of Pippa Middleton, the vibe of the two was a perfect match. Pippa feels like a happy, not-too-boring name choice while still giving the vibe of an ivy-covered aristocratic hall, you know?
10Preston
Preston is a British name with an old-school feel—let’s be honest, it sounds like boat shoes and a crisp polo neck. It ranks as the 275th most popular name in the United States in 2023, so it’s easily recognizable but not too common.
11Sebastian
The name dates back to third-century Rome and means “revered” or “worthy of respect”—so, yes, you could say it has the prestige factor of a true Ivy League baby name. With the cool nickname Seb or the energetic Bash, you also have some versatile abilities.
12Sloan
Sloan sounds like the coolest girl in a private fashion school with amazing style. This Irish name means “attacker” or “warrior” – perfect if you like a strong baby girl name – and will also appeal to parents looking for a monosyllabic name.
13Thomas’s
Thomasin sounds like the A+ student at the front of the class who really has her stuff, not to mention the cutest pens you’re always dying to borrow. It has never made the top 1,000 baby names in the United States, so if you’re looking for a unique name, this is it.
14whitaker
Another great last name turned first name: Whittaker. The name means “wheatfield” and refers to England’s rolling countryside. As far as naming your baby goes, Whitaker definitely sounds like an overachiever who participated in all extracurricular activities and was president of at least three clubs.
15William
There’s also a classic boy’s name to complete the set. William would have many luminaries to look up to in his academic pursuits, from Shakespeare to Thomson (William who invented the Kelvin temperature scale).
So, which Ivy League baby name is right for your little scholar?
