I recently interviewed a genealogist and historian specializing in aristocratic lineages, who has spent years researching the fascinating world of old money surnames. These names carry a weight of history, often associated with wealth, influence, and social status that spans generations.
In his experience, choosing a name with such rich heritage can be both exciting and daunting for expectant parents. Whether you're looking to honor family traditions or simply drawn to the allure of aristocratic names, I'm here to guide you through some of the best old money surnames for both boys and girls.
Throughout my career, I've also delved deep into the origins and meanings of these prestigious names, tracing their roots through European nobility and American dynasties alike. From the Astors and Vanderbilts to the Rothschilds and Windsors, these surnames have graced the pages of history books and society columns for centuries.
In this article, I'll share my expertise on the most distinguished old money surnames, their historical significance, and why they might be the perfect choice for your little one. We'll explore 10 old money names types with 20 surnames for each, exuding elegance, power, and timeless sophistication. Time to ensure that your child's name carries the gravitas of generations past.
How to Choose Old Money Surnames
When selecting an old money surname for your child, consider these key factors to ensure you make a choice that resonates with the desired aesthetic and heritage:
Family Heritage
Look into your own family tree for surnames that have been passed down through generations. This personal connection adds authenticity to the name choice.
Historical Significance
Research the background of potential surnames to understand their historical context and any notable figures associated with them.
Pronunciation and Spelling
Opt for names that are relatively easy to pronounce and spell to avoid future inconvenience for your child.
Compatibility
Ensure the surname flows well with the first name you've chosen and your family's last name.
Cultural Appropriateness
Be mindful of cultural sensitivities when selecting surnames from different backgrounds.
+200 Best Old Money Surnames for Boys & Girls
1. Aristocratic European Surnames
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Windsor
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Habsburg
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Montague
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Beaumont
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Lancaster
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Sinclair
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Pembroke
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Ashworth
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Kensington
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Worthington
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Blackwood
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Fairchild
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Harrington
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Whitmore
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Kingsley
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Ashbury
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St. Clair
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Winthrop
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Hawthorne
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Rutherford
2. Old English Gentry Surnames
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Ashcroft
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Ellsworth
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Thornton
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Whitaker
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Kensington
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Hargrave
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Langley
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Pembroke
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Ashworth
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Fairfax
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Worthington
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Blackwood
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Harrington
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Kingsley
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Ashbury
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Winthrop
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Hawthorne
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Rutherford
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St. John
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Montague
3. French Noble Surnames
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Devereaux
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Beaumont
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Montclair
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Laurent
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Duval
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Moreau
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Fontaine
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Leclerc
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Rousseau
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Marchand
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Dubois
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Girard
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Chastain
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Blanchet
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Fournier
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Mercier
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Lefevre
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Chevalier
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Dufresne
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Montreux
4. Italian Noble Surnames
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Medici
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Borghese
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Orsini
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Colonna
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Farnese
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Ricci
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Conti
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Rinaldi
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Marchetti
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De Luca
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Esposito
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Romano
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Bellini
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Lombardi
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Ferrara
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Mancini
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Moretti
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Santoro
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Bianchi
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D’Angelo
5. German Aristocratic Surnames
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Von Habsburg
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Von Hohenzollern
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Von Wittelsbach
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Von Bismarck
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Von Stein
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Von Braun
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Von Schleicher
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Von Essen
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Von Kleist
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Von Berg
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Von Adler
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Von Rothschild
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Von Falkenberg
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Von Sternberg
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Von Lichtenstein
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Von Amsberg
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Von Holstein
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Von Reichenbach
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Von Kassel
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Von Drakenberg
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6. Scottish Clan Surnames
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MacLeod
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Campbell
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Douglas
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Stewart
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MacKenzie
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Sinclair
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MacAllister
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MacIntyre
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MacGregor
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MacPherson
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Buchanan
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Fraser
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Ramsay
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MacLean
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MacNair
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MacQuarrie
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MacBride
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MacFarlane
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MacRae
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MacTavish
7. Spanish Noble Surnames
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De la Vega
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Del Castillo
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Alvarez
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Navarro
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Mendoza
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Cervantes
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De Leon
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Ortega
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Romero
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Santiago
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Delgado
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Torres
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Morales
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Rojas
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Fuentes
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Herrera
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Guzman
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Paredes
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Valdez
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Escobar
8. Dutch Patrician Surnames
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Van der Meer
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Van den Berg
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Van Dijk
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De Vries
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Van Houten
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Van der Linden
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Van der Veen
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Van der Heijden
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Van der Wal
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Van der Horst
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Van der Zee
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Van der Molen
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Van der Kamp
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Van der Laan
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Van der Velde
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Van der Ploeg
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Van der Bilt
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Van der Staay
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Van der Kooij
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Van der Aa
9. American Aristocracy Old Money Surnames
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Vanderbilt
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Astor
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Rockefeller
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Carnegie
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Morgan
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Dupont
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Whitney
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Lowell
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Cabot
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Winthrop
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Harriman
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Belmont
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Schuyler
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Livingston
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Stuyvesant
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Peabody
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Van Alen
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Van Rensselaer
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Van Buren
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Van Cortlandt
10. Russian Noble Surnames
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Romanov
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Sheremetev
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Yusupov
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Golitsyn
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Vorontsov
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Dolgorukov
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Obolensky
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Trubetskoy
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Shuvalov
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Orlov
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Razumovsky
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Volkonsky
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Gagarin
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Tolstoy
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Pushkin
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Lermontov
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Menshikov
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Naryshkin
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Bezborodko
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Chernyshev
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FAQ: Navigating Old Money Surname Selection
Are old money surnames only for families with actual generational wealth?
No, these surnames can be chosen by anyone who appreciates their historical significance and classic appeal.
Can I use an old money surname as a first name?
Yes, many old money surnames like Astor, Forbes, and Sinclair are now used as first names.
Are there gender-specific old money surnames?
While some surnames may have traditional gender associations, many are gender-neutral and can be used for both boys and girls.
How can I make sure the surname I choose is genuinely "old money"?
Research surnames associated with historically wealthy families or those with aristocratic roots. Names like Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, and Rothschild are well-known examples.
Should I be concerned about using a very distinctive old money surname?
Consider the potential impact on your child. While unique names can be memorable, they may also draw attention or raise questions about family background.
Carefully consider these factors and address common concerns, and you will be able to select an old money surname that carries the desired prestige and historical weight while still being appropriate and meaningful for your child.
