There's an election in the US right now, with the margins painfully close between each candidate and a very limited grey area or absence of opinion. However, I thought I’d offer a diversion from this highly controversial and disputed event by providing baby naming entertainment with a marvelous list of the best presidential names! Although who will be running the country is a very serious matter, the names of the leaders who have done so can translate very well onto a modern day child. Sleek unisex surnames, popular first name favorites, and some interesting vintage options, this list has a complex blend of styles, some of which are sure to catch your eye, thanks to a loyal reader who suggested this topic. I will mostly focus on contemporary possibilities, and outside the realm of the many Johns and Jameses we see throughout history. Now, let’s begin!
Monroe- James Monroe, the 5th US president, bore this surname that promises to be a modern success as Margot, Marlowe, and Meadow make their way onto the charts. Although actress Marilyn Monroe must be credited for the majority of the name’s recognition for girls, the Founding Father also adds a patriotic bonus and a positive connection. Monroe is heating up fast, at #598 in 2019 and climbing, and has the striking meaning of “from the mouth of the river.” Not only that, James himself seems to have great naming sense as well, with his daughter answering to the beautiful Eliza Monroe (swoon!)
Quincy- John Quincy Adams’s notable middle name makes the top 1000 at #595, and the Q initial makes him undeniably unique. An advocate against slavery in his time on the Senate, John Quincy Adams proved to be a significant part in abolishing slavery, which is an admirable feat that parents might attribute to the name. Quinn on girls is gaining in popularity while the boys are stuck in a losing battle though, which may make expecting couples waver. Quincy, on the other hand, feels more exclusively male to me, and the namesake sweetens the deal.
Jackson- I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Jackson/Jaxxon/Jaxon was virtually an overnight sensation, the perfect blend of the incredibly popular and traditional Jack and a contemporary -son surname ending-- and it wasn’t even made up! President Andrew Jackson likely had an influence on the first batch of Jacksons who came before the trend, the courageous general who later became the 7th president of the United States. The name now ranks at #17, a family favorite that feels hip and cool but also rooted in tradition.
Lincoln- Arguably the most famous and well-loved president in US history, Honest Abe was elected in the midst of a civil war and managed to handle it with civility. Abraham Lincoln managed to help abolish slavery and begin a long route to recovery for a warring nation, so he is still thought of as a hero to this day. His last name, however, has also seen considerable fame, at #41 in 2019. Naming a little boy Lincoln is a win-win for many parents: good association and on trend sound, not to mention that the nickname Link is adorable!
Ulysses- During the time that Lincoln was commanding the country, Ulysses S. Grant was commanding the Union Army, and later became the 18th president. His name is certainly out-there, but the increase in mythological names may promote Ulysses enough to the point where the name doesn’t induce a rapid line of questioning anywhere your child goes. Although Ulysses is a positive role model for a son, there is the issue of meaning, which is “wrathful,” and nicknames are limited as well despite the name being difficult for someone to wear in full. His last name, Grant, is also one of interest for many families looking to honor the former president without going for a name as wild as Ulysses.
Hayes- Rutherford Birchard Hayes is most definitely a name of interest, but the most usable part for most modern day parents would likely be Hayes, a surname style take on Hazel. Hayes himself was quite the model guy, a man known for his pure intentions of caring for African Americans as citizens, not slaves. The 19th US president, Hayes feels crisp and simple, promoting him to #296, a familiar but not popular spot for many parents. Rutherford or Birchard could also be considered as alternatives to Ruth/Ford or Richard, but they don’t seem to have as much potential.
Mckinley- Mckinley feels like a trendy sister name to Kinsley and Mackenzie, but her roots as the surname of president William McKinley give her an extra layer of depth. It definitely feels very trendy, but, again, being a surname associated with a political leader does help her feel more established. William McKinley is primarily known for acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and The Philippines for America, which may or may not appeal to parents. Overall, Mckinley feels on-trend and adorable for a little girl today, and while Mckinley probably does generate some use for boys, girls populate the overwhelming majority of Mckinleys.
Ford- The car company is likely the most prominent association for most parents today, but Gerald Ford, the 38th US president, also comes to mind. Gerald Ford was the first president to not face an election to get to the Oval Office. He assumed the position after President Nixon’s resignation and helped restore order and faith in the political scene after the former president’s many scandals. Ford is brief, strong, and perfect for a family searching for an accessible surname name with heroice ties. He’s even evaded popularity, surprisingly, at #561.
That’s all for my list of the best modern day presidential names. I mostly touched on the contemporary surname category, so if you would like me to cover more first names or unique and distinctive monikers, I would be happy to do a Part 2. I hope you enjoyed it!
Sincerely,
~Delphina Moon
Which of these names was your favorite? Would you consider a presidential name? Comment down below to let me know!