15 Baby Names Inspired by Former U.S. Presidents

In honor of election week, I rounded up some of the most popular baby names that come from U.S. Presidents. While many of these men’s first names have always been go tos — George, William, James, John, Andrew, and Thomas — many last names are holding strong or gaining popularity. Perhaps this week, we won’t only be choosing a president, we’ll be starting a trend. Do you think Obama or Romney sound like the names of the future?

Powerful Name Ideas

Presidential names are not only for the patriotic, they’re perfect for parents who want to give their little ones names that exude strength, character, and confidence.

Photo By Юкатан (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

Jefferson

A great modern, but classic alternative to Jeffrey.

By Rdsmith4 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

Madison

This has ranked in the top 10 girls’ names the past decade or so. While Madison is a powerful name, the nickname Maddie is very playful and feminine.

By USCapitol (President James Madison Memorial) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Jackson

Since the 1980s, this wonderfully boyish name has been climbing the charts. Jack, Jackson, Jacks — they’re all masculine, but playful.

By Edbrown05, via Wikimedia Commons

Harrison

This classic name is almost as popular now as it was in the 1880s.

Photo By Derek Jensen (Tysto) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Tyler

While its popularity peeked in the 1990s, you can’t go wrong with Tyler — for a boy or girl.

Photo By Rdsmith4 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

Taylor

Another great androgynous choice, Taylor has become more popular for girls, but is still a solid boy’s name.

Photo By unknown photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Pierce

Perhaps it’s the connection to Pierce Brosnan — and James Bond — but I think this name comes with a bit of power and mystique.

Photo By Jomegat (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Lincoln

Since 2005, this name has quickly transitioned from old-fashioned to totally en vogue. (But still a bit uncommon.)

Photo By Daniel Chester French [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Johnson

With not one, but two U.S. Presidents bearing this name, there’s no doubt that it’s packed with potential. It’s also a great alternative for the more common names John and Jonathon.

By Kate Mereand (originally posted to Flickr as Capitol Building) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Grant

This masculine name has held strong for the past 25 years or so. Though that could also be because of its Cary Grant Hollywood magic as well.

Photo By Roger Rowlett (Photo by poster) [CC-BY-SA-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

Kennedy

While technically this is a gender-neutral name, it fell off the charts for boys as is became wildly popular with girls the past couple decades. It’s loveable no matter what political party you belong to.

Photo By Daderot (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

Ford

This name is still totally unique — no doubt due to people associating it with the automaker — but it’s powerful and masculine. I have a feeling it will be breaking into the mainstream soon.

PhotoBy DoD photo by: WILLIAM D. MOSS (DoD) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Carter

It seems political distance equals a rise in popularity. By 2000 this boys’ name was quickly climbing the charts. It remains one of the top 50 names for boys — with good reason. (We *almost* used it for our second son.)

Photo By User:Piotrus (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Reagan

This androgynous choice has become much more popular for girls than boys. Alternate spellings like Regan and Raegan make it less political and more literary. (And I happen know at least one precious baby girl who totally rocks this name.)

Photo By U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Cheryl Wilson [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Clinton

While this name fell away from popularity as soon as Clinton took office, it’s just a matter of time before it makes its way back up the charts. (Just ask the Carters and Reagans of the world.)

Photo By Stuart Seeger from College Station, Texas, USA (Clinton Presidential Library) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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Would you use a Presidential name for your baby?