Princeton: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced PRIN-stuhn · 2 syllables
Princeton means “town”, from English.
From prince + -ton (“town”), originally in honor of crown princes or princes of the British Empire but later chiefly in honor of others with the name Prince or locations named Princeton. Doublet of Princetown. Cf. Princes Town, Princeville, Kingston, Kingstone, Coniston, Kingstown, Queenston, and Queenstown.
- Meaning
- town
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- PRIN-stuhn
- US rank (2025)
- #652
- US babies a year
- about 531 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2010
How popular is Princeton?
Princeton was the #652 name in the US in 2025, given to 422 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.
How old are people named Princeton?
Half of US adults named Princeton are older than 33; most are between 18 and 53. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Princeton
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
Questions about Princeton
What does the name Princeton mean?
Princeton means “town”. It comes from English.
How do you pronounce Princeton?
Princeton is pronounced PRIN-stuhn.
How popular is the name Princeton?
Princeton was the #652 name in the US in 2025, given to 422 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.
How old are people named Princeton?
Half of US adults named Princeton are older than 33. Most are between 18 and 53.