A specialist baby name picker has declared what this year's top trends could be, including vintage-inspired picks and surnames for first names.
Colleen Slagen, 33, has professionally consulted parents on their big decision since starting her business in January 2022. The expert now attracts up to five requests a day for consultations ranging between $175 to $250 (£140 to £250).
According to the Boston, Massachusetts-based nurse, classes of children born in 2023 could be made up of babies named Mallorie and Augie. The specialist predicts four major trends this year - including an increase in gender neutral names.
Colleen's expert baby name trend predictions
A list of potential name trends include:
- Vintage names such as Mallorie or Eloise for girls.
- Surnames being used for first names such as Sutton, Miller or Brooke
- Gender neutral names
- Names that can be shortened to nicknames like August to Gus or Augie
How Colleen became a paid baby name specialist
Baby names have been a lifetime fixation for the pro who couldn't poring over the topic.
"I have been obsessed with baby names my entire life," shared Colleen. "I spent my whole life preparing for this job - without knowing it existed as an option. I used to read yearbooks, phone books and baby name books and forced all my friends to talk about baby names with me.
"My sister and I used to have full lists of baby names and play games revolving around baby names."
Things got serious when Colleen's friends started having kids as she helped them through the process.
Colleen went on: "I just thought of it as a quirky hobby, but then as my friends and I got to the age where we started having kids, I started unofficially advising them. "I'd get feedback from friends and even their partners saying that it was very helpful."
She made the side job official over a year ago and saw her business boom on social media.
"When I went on maternity leave with my daughter, who is now one, in January 2022, I bit the bullet and launched my website. It was a slow start, but then in January of this year I started making TikToks and all of a sudden it really took off."
She helps parents choose baby names, new names for themselves or even couples wanting to create a new last name when they wed.
Colleen now gets up to five enquiries a day for her services. Although most of Colleen's clients are yet to give birth, she already knows of one baby named after one of her suggestions.
Her eight name package costs clients $175 (£140) while the 16 name package comes to $250 (£200). She carries out a thorough process to properly advise clients on the best names to suit their style.
She also takes into account any names parents can't use because they know someone else with it or because it doesn't "flow well" with their surname.
"The consultations are pretty in depth. When someone reaches out, I send them a questionnaire to gather information," explained Colleen.
The consult is detailed, touching on family inspiration, matching with surnames - and parents' dislikes.
"Most people that come to me have already given names a ton of thought already. I get them to fill out what names they like but can't use for one reason or another - like if they know someone else with that name or it doesn't flow well with their last name."
"I also ask if there's any family names they'd like to incorporate, what sounds are off limits or any other preferences.
"The more criteria people give to me the better - that's when I can really drill down. After the consultation, I send them the list of names I think would work.
"I also go into detail on the style of the name, its meaning, popularity and why I think it's a good option for them. I also give them feedback on names they've already considered."
Whilst she works full time as a nurse, her clients need her help all around the clock. She once even received a desperate request from a couple in the delivery room.
How to find the perfect baby name
Whilst every client is approached individually by Colleen, she has some go-to tips and tricks for people searching for a perfect name .
Some of her tried and true methods include looking at what retailers name their products and using public records to see how common a name is.
She said: "I think names have become such a hot topic recently because of the rise of social media in particular.
"There are a few trends I really like right now - with girls we're seeing a lot of feminine, vintage names like Margot or Eloise.
"With boys, there's been a similar trend, but parents are also keener to have nick-namable names like August which can be shortened to Gus or Augie.
"There's also been a rise in gender neutral surnames being used for first names - which I love. Some of these popular names include Noah, Sutton, Miller, Ellis or Brooke.
"I think people like surnames because there's an endless amount of them to choose from. They're unique but they're familiar enough that they don't sound weird.
"It's fun to go through surnames from different origins and meanings to find one to fit the vibe the clients are going for."
She added: "I think one thing people are really interested in is how popular a name is. You can easily look up a name on a social security website and see how much it's been used.
"Another way to find names is through social media or look at baby-focused companies that name products after kids. Discussion boards are also another great way to find a name."
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