Princeton
Meaningprince's town · English
- US rank
- #652
- Syllables
- 3
- Peak
- #402 in 2017
422 babies were named Princeton in the US in 2025. It has dropped 240 places in five years.
Found on lists
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US births per million boys, 1950–2025
Most popular states (2025)
Similar names
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
Did you know?
A few things about Princeton you might not know, from US birth records. Handy for convincing a partner, or a grandparent.
- How commonAbout 1 in every 4,047 baby boys born in the US in 2025 was named Princeton, 422 babies in all. In a typical school of 500 kids, your Princeton would very likely be the only one.
- HistoryPrinceton first shows up in US birth records in 1950, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 75 years since.
- Best yearIts best year was 2017, when it reached #402.
- Then vs nowPrinceton is 15× more common today than it was in 2000. In 2000 it was given to about 1 in 61,350 baby boys; in 2025, about 1 in 4,047.
- TrendPrinceton has slipped 240 places over the last five years and now sits at #652. Good news if you want a familiar name that fewer kids will share.
- Where it's lovedPrinceton is most popular in Mississippi, where it ranks #259, followed by Georgia (#286) and Arkansas (#332). It's in the top 1,000 in 26 states.
- MeaningIn English, Princeton means “prince's town”.
About the name Princeton
Princeton is a boy name of English origin meaning “prince's town”. It has 9 letters and 3 syllables, starting with P and ending in “-ton”. US birth records list Princeton for boys from 1950 to 2025, in 64 of those 76 years. Its best year was 2017, when it ranked #402 among boy names. In 2025 it ranked #652, with 422 babies.
Origin:English names
| Decade | Babies per million | About 1 in |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 1.5 | 662,252 boys |
| 1960s | 1.3 | 781,250 boys |
| 1970s | 3.9 | 255,102 boys |
| 1980s | 19 | 53,706 boys |
| 1990s | 19 | 53,191 boys |
| 2000s | 29 | 34,614 boys |
| 2010s | 292 | 3,422 boys |
| 2020s | 326 | 3,070 boys |
More English boy names
- Boy name: Oliver · olive tree
- Boy name: Henry · ruler of the home
- Unisex name: James · supplanter
- Boy name: William · resolute protector
- Boy name: Benjamin · son of the right hand
- Boy name: Jack · God is gracious
- Unisex name: Hudson · son of Hudde
- Unisex name: Julian · of the Julius family
Questions about the name Princeton
What does the name Princeton mean?
Princeton means “prince's town” in English.
What is the origin of the name Princeton?
Princeton has English roots in our records. Other English names include Oliver, Henry, James.
Is Princeton a boy or girl name?
Princeton is a boy name.
How popular is the name Princeton?
Princeton ranked #652 for US boys in 2025, given to 422 babies. Its best year was 2017 (#402).