90 Nicknames For Ivy League Schools

90 Nicknames for Ivy League Schools: A Deep Dive into Collegiate Nomenclature

The Ivy League. A name synonymous with academic excellence, prestige, and a rich history steeped in tradition. Beyond their formal names, these eight prestigious universities boast a vibrant tapestry of nicknames, reflecting their unique identities, campus culture, and even playful rivalries. These monikers, passed down through generations of students, faculty, and alumni, offer a glimpse into the soul of each institution, revealing nuances often missed in official brochures. This article explores 90 nicknames for the Ivy League schools, delving into their origins and the stories they tell.

Harvard University:

Harvard, the oldest of the Ivy League, enjoys a wealth of nicknames, many reflecting its age and influence:

  1. The Crimson: This is perhaps the most widely used and officially recognized nickname, derived from the school’s athletic team colors.
  2. Harvard Yard: Referencing the historic central courtyard of the university.
  3. The House System: A nod to Harvard’s unique residential college system.
  4. The Lampoon: A reference to the Harvard Lampoon, a renowned humor magazine.
  5. The Yardlings: A playful term for first-year students.
  6. The Crimson Tide: (Less common, but used occasionally in sports contexts)
  7. The Old Yard: Emphasizing the historical significance of the campus.
  8. The Faculty: A somewhat ironic nickname, emphasizing the institution’s academic prowess.
  9. The Bookworms: A playful jab at the intense academic environment.
  10. The Elitists: (Often used derisively by outsiders)
  11. The Preppy School: (Similar to the above, highlighting a perceived stereotype)
  12. The Crimson Elite: A combination of the formal nickname and a perceived elitism.
  13. The Scholars of Cambridge: Emphasizing their location and academic excellence.
  14. The Alma Mater: A classic and respectful nickname for the university.
  15. The Cradle of Presidents: Highlighting the significant number of US Presidents who attended Harvard.

Yale University:

Yale, Harvard’s longstanding rival, possesses nicknames that often reflect this competition and its own distinctive character:

  1. The Bulldogs: The official and most widely known nickname, referring to the school’s mascot.
  2. Yale Bowl: Named after the iconic Yale Bowl stadium.
  3. The Elis: A shorter, more informal version of "Elihu," a reference to Elihu Yale, the university’s namesake.
  4. The Blue: Referring to the school’s athletic team colors.
  5. The Old Blue: Similar to "The Blue," but emphasizing tradition.
  6. The Townies: A reference to students who live in New Haven.
  7. The Skull and Bones: A reference to the famous secret society.
  8. The Bookish Bulldogs: A blend of academics and mascot.
  9. The Elihu’s: Another variation on the "Elis" nickname.
  10. The Blue Devils: (Less common, but sometimes used in athletic contexts)
  11. The New Haven Nine: (Referring to the nine undergraduate residential colleges)
  12. The Ivy League’s Rival: A straightforward nickname highlighting its rivalry with Harvard.
  13. The Bulldogs of New Haven: Combining location and mascot.
  14. The Connecticut Bulldogs: Highlighting their state location.
  15. The Ancient and Honorable: Emphasizing Yale’s historical significance.

Princeton University:

Princeton’s nicknames often reflect its smaller size and its strong sense of community:

  1. The Tigers: The official and most common nickname, referring to the school’s mascot.
  2. The Orange and Black: Referring to the school’s athletic team colors.
  3. The Princetonians: A formal and traditional nickname.
  4. The Tigers of Princeton: Combining mascot and location.
  5. The Nassau Tigers: Referencing Nassau Hall, the oldest building on campus.
  6. The Old Nassau: A shorter version of the previous nickname.
  7. The Town and Gown: Referencing the relationship between the university and the town of Princeton.
  8. The Quiet Tigers: A playful contrast to the more aggressive image of tigers.
  9. The Academic Tigers: Highlighting the academic focus of the university.
  10. The P-rade: A reference to the annual P-rade, a student-organized parade.

Columbia University:

Columbia’s nicknames often reflect its location in New York City and its diverse student body:

  1. The Lions: The official and most common nickname, referring to the school’s mascot.
  2. The Blue and White: Referring to the school’s athletic team colors.
  3. The Columbia Lions: Combining mascot and university name.
  4. The Morningside Lions: Referencing the Morningside Heights campus.
  5. The New York Lions: Highlighting the university’s location.
  6. The Up-Town Lions: Referencing the location of the campus in Upper Manhattan.
  7. The Lions of Morningside Heights: A more descriptive version of the Morningside Lions.
  8. The Urban Lions: Highlighting the university’s location in a major city.

University of Pennsylvania:

Penn’s nicknames often reflect its history and its diverse academic offerings:

  1. The Quakers: The official and most common nickname, referring to the school’s religious heritage.
  2. The Red and Blue: Referring to the school’s athletic team colors.
  3. The Penn Quakers: Combining nickname and university name.
  4. The Quakers of Philadelphia: Highlighting the university’s location.
  5. The Ivy League’s Underdog: A playful nod to the perception of Penn being slightly less prestigious than Harvard or Yale.
  6. The Wharton School: Referencing Penn’s renowned business school.

Brown University:

Brown’s nicknames often reflect its liberal arts focus and its unique campus culture:

  1. The Bears: The official and most common nickname, referring to the school’s mascot.
  2. The Brown Bears: Combining nickname and university name.
  3. The Brunonians: A formal and traditional nickname.
  4. The Little Brown Jug: A reference to a historic rivalry with Yale.
  5. The Independent Bears: Reflecting Brown’s independent and non-sectarian nature.

Dartmouth College:

Dartmouth’s nicknames often reflect its location in rural New Hampshire and its strong sense of community:

  1. The Big Green: The official and most common nickname, referring to the school’s athletic team colors.
  2. The Green: A shorter version of the Big Green.
  3. The Dartmouth Green: Referencing the iconic green space on campus.
  4. The Indians: (This nickname, while historically used, is now largely considered outdated and offensive due to its appropriation of Native American imagery.)
  5. The Hanover Hawks: (A less common alternative nickname)
  6. The Upper Valley Green: (Referencing the region where Dartmouth is located)

Cornell University:

Cornell’s nicknames often reflect its land-grant status and its diverse academic offerings:

  1. The Big Red: The official and most common nickname, referring to the school’s athletic team colors.
  2. The Red: A shorter version of the Big Red.
  3. The Cornell Big Red: Combining nickname and university name.
  4. The Ithacans: Referencing the city of Ithaca, where Cornell is located.
  5. The Land-Grant Lions: (A less common nickname reflecting Cornell’s land-grant history)
  6. The Cornell Family: (Reflecting the strong sense of community)

Beyond the Main Nicknames: Many more informal and less commonly used nicknames exist for each Ivy League school, often specific to particular groups or departments within the university. These include:

72-75. Harvard: The Classics, The Pre-Meds, The Law School, The Business School.
76-79. Yale: The Skull and Bonesmen, The Scroll and Key, The Whiffenpoofs, The Yale Dramatic Association.
80-83. Princeton: The Eating Clubs, The Whig-Clio Society, The Triangle Club, The Daily Princetonian Staff.
84-87. Columbia: The Spectator Staff, The Varsity Show, The Marching Band, The Law School.
88-91. Penn: The M&T Bank Scholars, The Penn Glee Club, The Daily Pennsylvanian Staff, The Wharton Undergrads.

This list, while extensive, is not exhaustive. The nicknames of the Ivy League schools are a living, breathing part of their culture, constantly evolving and adapting to the changing times. The nicknames reflect not only the schools’ history and traditions but also the spirit and personalities of their students and alumni. They serve as a reminder that behind the formal titles and academic achievements lie vibrant communities with rich and unique identities. These nicknames, therefore, offer a deeper understanding of the Ivy League beyond the veneer of prestige and achievement, revealing the playful, competitive, and ultimately human side of these iconic institutions.

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