A Professional Baby Name Consultant Is Begging Parents To Stop Using These 2 Names

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A Professional Baby Name Consultant Is Begging Parents To Stop Using These 2 Names originally appeared on Parade.
When you're expecting, it's normal to pore over countless books and lists of names for your little bundle of joy. And inspiration can be anywhere you look—including old men and old ladies, colors, religion and more. However, one baby naming expert is begging parents to actually stop using two names, in particular.Professional baby name consultant, social media personality and author of Naming Bebe (released June 10) Colleen Slagen, AKA @NamingBebe, went from utilizing her skills and passion as a "lifelong hobby imposed upon my loved ones" to offering personalized baby name consults full time starting in 2023. With plenty of viral videos on TikTok, Slagen is known for sharing her baby-naming tips and opinions online—and from discussing "new mom names" to commenting on monikers related to pop culture (like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives), it's easy to see why she's become such a sensation. Now, she's revealing which two specific names to avoid in 2025, what general baby naming trends she's not a fan of, and how to tell if you might benefit from using a name consultant.Related:
"I want to disclaim this because I really do like both of these names—they're popular for a reason," Slagen begins telling Parade. "But being in this job I can't help but try and push people to find a name other than Olivia and Liam (the #1 boy and girl names)." It makes sense that she'd encourage parents to think outside the box."I think it's so fun to try and find alternatives that parents could embrace if they keep an open mind," she continues. "The best way to change someone's mind about a name is a positive association. Of course, we're more likely to have a positive association with popular names so it's a positive feedback cycle."That being said, she has some suggestions for parents who are leaning toward Olivia and Liam."Alternatives can be names that have similar sounds, like Violet, Sylvia, Ophelia, Lydia, Olive or Vivian for Olivia," she explains. "Or names that have a similar style—other elegant, feminine names like Margot, Daphne, Juliet, Leona, Hollis.""For Liam, there are a lot of similar names that are also quite popular; Leo, Levi, Luca," she continues. "I love Cian as a Celtic alternative that is much less common, or Callum for something that's a bit more mainstream."Related:
"I almost never support alternative, less common spellings," Slagen reveals. "There are some exceptions to that statement! But for example, spelling Peyton 'Peytyn' to make it appear more unique or feminine. Even when traditionally masculine names are being used for a girl, which is a big trend right now, I prefer their traditional spelling."
"It's hard to dislike any of the top, top names; they became popular for a reason and familiarity breeds likeness," Slagen admits. However, "I tend to go Marie Kondo on names that feel like they're heavily trending (rapid rises in popularity over a short time period); thank you for the memories, goodbye," she tells Parade.
One recent trend that has legitimately shocked Slagen? "The super macho word names like Crash, Danger and Ryatt," she shares. "Kids can make a name their own no matter what it is, but these names do feel a bit prophetic."
Related:
According to Slagen, these are some common signs you might benefit from using a professional baby name consultant:
"Difficulty agreeing with a partner
Creativity rut (I've looked through SO many name lists/books and nothing sticks out to me!)
Outside opinion: people who want to get a gut check/analysis of their top contenders without discussing with friends and family
Finding a name that is cohesive with sibling(s) names
Finding a name with a particular meaning
Fun! Talking about baby names and hearing what someone else thinks fits your style is such a fun experience for people."
Up Next:Colleen Slagen, AKA @NamingBebe, professional baby name consultant, social media personality and author of Naming Bebe (released June 10)
A Professional Baby Name Consultant Is Begging Parents To Stop Using These 2 Names first appeared on Parade on Jun 10, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.