Colleen Slagen, a former nurse, has embarked on a new venture as a professional baby name consultant, establishing her business, Naming Bebe, in 2022. With a keen passion for names that has spanned her lifetime, Slagen is now making waves in the world of baby names, particularly following the recent release of the United States Social Security Administration’s (SSA) official baby naming statistics for 2025.
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In the past week, the SSA unveiled the most popular names for newborns, reflecting the choices made by parents over the last year. Slagen, well-regarded for her expertise in naming trends, promptly analysed the data and shared her insights across her social media platforms. As in previous years, Olivia has once again claimed the top spot for girls’ names, joined by perennial favourites Emma and Charlotte in the top five. The boys’ list mirrored that of the prior year, with Liam, Noah, and Oliver retaining their positions as the most preferred choices among parents.
What piqued Slagen’s interest this time were unexpected trends emerging from the data, which she describes as defying conventional naming norms. Deviating from what she calls the “law of naming physics”, where an increase in popularity of a name for one gender often leads to a decline for the other, this year’s statistics reveal that certain names are rising for both boys and girls. For instance, names like Scottie and Quinn are gaining traction across genders, even though they may historically lean towards one.
Slagen suggests that these trends may indicate a significant cultural shift in societal attitudes towards gender expression among modern parents, particularly those belonging to the younger Millennial and Gen Z demographics. “Younger parents seem less inclined to adhere to traditional notions surrounding gendered names,” she remarked, alluding to a newfound openness in naming conventions. This shift indicates that the stigma associated with “feminine” names for boys may finally be receding.
In her analysis, Slagen notes a growing affinity for “softer names” among parents opting for boys’ names. Examples such as River, Rowan, Shiloh, and Briar reflect this trend towards gentler masculine names. She was particularly surprised to witness Scottie gaining popularity among boys while enjoying immense success as a girls’ name, which signifies a considerable evolution in naming preferences.
Additionally, Slagen observed no discernible change in the rise of “word names”, a category she playfully refers to as “Merriam-Webster names”. These names, which are not only found on birth certificates but also in the dictionary, often trend rapidly among parents. Names like Rocky have surged in popularity, likely buoyed by usage among celebrities and influencers, which further underscores the transient nature of naming trends.
Among the insights garnered from the 2025 data, Slagen has identified a particularly personal favourite trend, dubbed “nursing home chic”, which transcends gender boundaries. Names such as Otis, Lettie, and Judith are regaining popularity, suggesting a revival of names previously considered old-fashioned. According to Slagen, these names are experiencing a resurgence, allowing a fresh appeal that contrasts with their historical context.
As Slagen continues her journey in the realm of baby names, her experiences highlight a period of transformation in the ways parents are approaching the critical task of naming their children. The societal inclinations towards inclusivity and diversity are increasingly reflected in the choices parents are making today.
With her wealth of knowledge and passion for names, Slagen is poised to guide expecting parents in navigating this evolving landscape. As she continues to dissect and interpret naming trends, her contributions not only celebrate cultural shifts but also provide valuable insights into the intersection of identity and nomenclature in contemporary society.
In an era where personal expression is paramount, Colleen Slagen’s work emphasises the lasting impact of a name and its significance in the formation of one’s identity. Her consultancy, Naming Bebe, stands testament to a growing field in which names are not just labels but representations of culture, values, and hopes for the future.