Latest news with #Slagen
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A Professional Baby Name Consultant Is Begging Parents To Stop Using These 2 Names
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 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 "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.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Can a Baby Name Propel Your Child to Stardom? Here's What Experts Say
Countless considerations go into picking the perfect baby name. For some parents, manifesting future fame for their little one may be on the list of things to think about. Case in point: Singer Reneé Rapp recently said her mother helped her become destined for stardom with her name choice. 'My mom chose my first and last name to be, well, okay, arguably chose my first and last name to both have [two letter R's]. She was like, 'Alliteration, just in case she wants to be a pop star' before I was born," Rapp explained on the Good Hang With Amy Poehler podcast. Jennifer Moss, the CEO and co-founder of author of The Baby Names Workbook and One in a Million Baby Name Book, and producer and co-host of The Baby Names Podcast, tells Parents there is some truth to this assertion. 'Alliteration is used in prose and poetry and just sticks in our brains and memory,' Moss says. But can you actually pick a baby name that predestines your kiddo for stardom? Of course, as Moss qualifies, 'No name is going to guarantee fame or success.' Likewise, baby name consultant Colleen Slagen of Boston, Massachusetts, and author of the book Naming Bebe, tells Parents, 'I don't think a child's name has anything to do with whether or not they are going to be famous.' That said, according to Moss, 'There are name combinations and sounds that can definitely make a name more memorable.' If you are looking for a baby name that will help your child reach fame or glory, try names with these attributes: Alliteration. The baby naming experts we spoke with recommend picking a name that has the same first letter as your baby's last name. Just think of Marilyn Monroe. 'Stan Lee knew this when he named his comic book characters,' Moss says, pointing to the examples of Peter Parker and Bruce Banner. Slagen adds golfer Scottie Scheffler and basketball player Caitlin Clark to this list of alliterative names. Tradition. Want your wee one to run for president one day? Moss suggests employing a moniker that has been used by a previous head of state. 'The most common names among U.S. presidents are currently James, John, William, and George, in order,' she shares. Pleasing cadence. Moss points to the examples of Ryan Gosling and Saoirse Ronan as names that satisfy this rule. Uniqueness. Just think of Idris Elba as a star who doesn't share a name with anyone else. Slagen's tip for manifesting a future musician, meanwhile, is to choose an artsy, indie-type name, such as Ziggy or Bowie. Moss's only advice if you go this route: 'Don't get so crazy and unique that your child might get teased for their name.' Finally, Moss cautions against naming your child after a specific celebrity, since you never know when their reputation could take a hit (ahem, Sean Combs). These star baby naming tips are all in good fun. But it must be noted that if you do truly hope your child grows up to be famous so much that you're manifesting their fate from birth with a baby name, there may be a hefty price to pay when it comes to their well-being. There isn't necessarily a downside to picking an original name that rolls off the tongue, is easy to remember, and has no negative associations to date. But importantly, Laurie Kramer, PhD, a Northeastern University professor of applied psychology, reminds parents, 'Names have meanings.' Your child will eventually be interested in the meaning behind their name, or why they were given a certain name. 'Kids will catch on if they've been given a name that implies high expectations for them,' Dr. Kramer explains. 'Some names can represent a high bar which could lead a child to worry that they may not be able to live up to that expectation.' Your child could end up worrying they will disappoint their parents if they don't achieve what was hoped for them. There's also the potentially misguided motive of trying to mold your child's identity before they are ready to do that for themselves, according to Dr. Kramer. 'If you are naming a child with any expectation, that could be a burden on them,' agrees Moss. Just think of kids with names like Legend or Honor. 'That's a lot to live up to!' Moss asserts. Ultimately, she says that while it's normal for parents to have dreams for their kids, they may go their own way no matter what name you bestow upon them. The best advice, according to Slagen, is to pick a name because you love it, not to manifest some outcome. Read the original article on Parents
