Declining since 2018, #652 for boys today.
Popularity of Princeton since 1950
Babies named Princeton per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 30 |
| 1960s | 24 |
| 1970s | 65 |
| 1980s | 347 |
| 1990s | 370 |
| 2000s | 580 |
| 2010s | 5,461 |
| 2020s | 3,379 |
Meaning & origin
Princeton entered the U.S. naming scene in 1950, but its modern popularity is a phenomenon of the 2000s and 2010s. The name reached its peak rank of 652 in 2018, when it was given to roughly 1 in 4,048 boys. Since then, its trajectory has been falling, but it remains a distinctive choice, especially in Southern states like Mississippi, Georgia, and Arkansas. The name's association with the Ivy League university gives it an air of prestige and academic ambition, appealing to parents who value education and tradition. Though relatively rare, Princeton fits comfortably alongside other surname-style names popular among modern parents.
Princeton originated as a place name, derived from the Old English words 'prince' and 'tūn' (enclosure, settlement). The most famous bearer is Princeton University in New Jersey, established in 1746. As a given name, it gained popularity in the late 20th century, following a trend of using elite university names for boys.
Where Princeton is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Prince, Princy
Sibling names for Princeton
Names that share Princeton's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Princeton
Names whose popularity has moved with Princeton's over the last 50 years.
