Princeton is an uncommon yet distinctive masculine given name of American origin. It is derived from the borough of Princeton in New Jersey, which was founded by William Penn in 1682 and named after Prince John Frederick Lewis, Prince of Wales at that time.
The meaning behind the name Princeton is not explicitly defined, but it is often associated with the principles and values of higher education, as the prestigious Ivy League university, Princeton University, is located within this borough. This association has contributed to the name's perception as being intelligent, sophisticated, and refined.
Historically, the name Princeton has been used sparingly compared to other popular American names. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it first appeared in the top 1000 baby boy names list in the United States in the year 2000, reaching its peak popularity in 2006 when it ranked at number 438. Since then, its usage has steadily declined but remains present on name charts.
In popular culture, several notable individuals have carried the name Princeton, including American actor Princeton Gavin Jackson and former professional basketball player Princeton Harmon. These figures have helped to further solidify the name's distinctive identity in American society.
Overall, the name Princeton offers a unique and interesting option for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful masculine given name with ties to American history and education. Its association with the prestigious university lends it a sense of intelligence and sophistication, making it an appealing choice for those looking to honor academic achievement or simply provide their child with a distinctive moniker.
The name Princeton has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. With only six births recorded in 1950 and five births in 1952, the name was not commonly used during that time period.
However, starting in the late 1970s, there was a noticeable uptick in the number of babies named Princeton. In 1980, the number of births with this name jumped to 23, and it continued to rise throughout the 1980s, reaching an all-time high of 541 births in 2014.
The popularity of the name Princeton has remained relatively steady since then, with over 700 babies named Princeton each year from 2015 to 2020. Despite a slight dip in recent years (624 births in 2021 and 531 births in 2023), the name continues to be popular among parents in the United States.
In total, there have been 9,355 babies named Princeton born in the United States since 1950. This data demonstrates how the popularity of a name can fluctuate over time and illustrates the enduring appeal of the name Princeton for many American parents today.