Professional Baby Namer Breaks Down Most Unexpected Naming Trends, from ‘Sexy Female CEO’ to ‘Cool Cowboy’ (Exclusive)

Professional Baby Naming Expert Reveals Surprising Trends in Baby Names

Colleen Slagen, popularly known as Naming Bebe on social media, has dedicated her career to the art of baby naming. In 2022, she made the switch from being a full-time nurse practitioner to pursuing her passion for baby names. Running a successful baby name consulting business, Slagen stays abreast of the ever-evolving landscape of naming trends to provide valuable insights to her clientele.

With an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Colleen shares how various factors such as pop culture and media influence naming trends. She delves into her favourite “micro-trends” and offers advice based on her experience as both a parent and a professional in the field of baby naming.

Having been a baby name consultant since 2022, Colleen’s expertise spans decades of compiling, curating, and analysing baby names. She not only assists expecting parents in choosing the perfect name for their bundle of joy but has also authored her own book, “Naming Bebe: An Interactive Guide to Choosing the Baby Name You Love.” The book is set for release on June 10 and is currently available for pre-order.

Colleen engages with her clients through virtual consultations over Zoom, where she assists them in shortlisting baby name options. Her social media presence, boasting over 100,000 followers across platforms like Instagram and TikTok, allows her to share insights on current naming trends for free, while her professional consultations range from $300 to $400 per session.

In her consultations, Colleen encounters a diverse range of requests from clients, some more unconventional than others. From middle names inspired by strong women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg to requests for names fitting the theme of “sexy CEO,” she navigates through a myriad of preferences with finesse and creativity.

One notable trend she highlights is the rise in popularity of “cool cowboy names” for baby boys, including monikers like Rhett, Wyatt, and Dutton, evoking a rugged and Western-inspired vibe. On the other hand, she notes a preference for romantic and feminine names with a classic touch for baby girls, such as Margot, Eloise, and Vivian, offering a fresh take on traditional favourites like Olivia and Charlotte.

Colleen’s astute observations also extend to the cyclical nature of naming trends, where names popular in past decades resurface with a modern twist. Conversely, certain names associated with specific generations, like Peyton and Reagan for older Gen Z or Baby Boomer names such as Karen and Linda, are on the decline in contemporary baby naming practices.

The impact of pop culture on naming trends is undeniable, with media influences often propelling certain names to fame. From movies like Harry Potter to celebrity endorsements, names like Luna, Knox, and Vivienne have witnessed a surge in popularity. Colleen notes that while trends may come and go, timeless classics like Olivia have maintained their popularity over the years.

Against the backdrop of evolving naming preferences, Colleen encourages parents to explore a diverse range of options beyond traditional choices. She champions the resurgence of vintage names like Evelyn and Harvey, while advocating for lesser-known gems such as Sasha and Kit for a modern, chic twist.

With her wealth of experience and keen eye for emerging trends, Colleen Slagen continues to shape the landscape of baby naming, offering invaluable guidance to parents navigating the intricate process of choosing the perfect name for their little ones.