TikTok Baby Name Consultant Jessie Paquette on Naming Trends

Let’s face it: Choosing a baby name is overwhelming. So much so that some parents-to-be are turning to complete strangers — or, baby name consultants — for a bespoke list of potential names. To learn more, we spoke with Jessie Paquette (aka, @dreambabynames), who offers free consultations to her tens of thousands of TikTok followers.

Q: A baby name consultant isn’t a job many people have probably heard of. When did you realize it could be a career for you?

It was so accidental. No one wakes up and thinks, I’m going to start a baby-naming business on TikTok. I’ve always loved names and thought they were fascinating. It comes from being a ‘Jessica’ and feeling so bored by it ... [So] I started an account to give myself an outlet to post some of my favorite [baby names]. Before I knew it, [a] video took off. I had like 5,000 followers, and it spiraled into something else. I realized this is a helpful skill I have — so I jumped in full force. 

Q: What kind of name requests do you get on TikTok?

I get a lot of middle … and first name requests, specifically for [second children] … People will also come to me with a style or type of name they like … even a nickname they want to use … and ask me to find something even more unique … And I have a lot of requests from people who are like, ‘My daughter is three months old, and I hate her name.’ So they’re changing the name, but they don’t trust themselves the second time … I’ve even gotten some that are Halloween-themed. People will say, ‘I want the darkest, most gothic names you can get me.’ It’s wild — and I love it. I’ll spit out Salem, Blair, and other cool, “out there” names.

Q: Is there anything you won’t do?

If you just ask for a [boy or girl] name, I’m not going to be able to get back to you. I have 650 requests right now, so I need a solid basis to work on … [Also] I’ll always [prioritize] the people currently expecting a child, whether through adoption, IVF, or whatever else. There are a lot of people that say, ‘I’m not having a child for years, but I wanted to ask.’ I don’t have time for these [hypothetical] babies. I’ve got to name the real ones right now.

Q:  So where do you even begin?

It’s very hard when people say, ‘I want a unique name.’ Unique means something different for everyone ... So if they have that requirement, I [ask for] a number ranking from the US Social Security Administration (SSA) … which posts state and national rankings, and how names have gone up or down [in popularity] … So people can say [the name should be in] the top 100 or 150 ... Then I’ll look at names they like, so I can establish the vibe and style they’re going for. I’ll look at the origins of a name, ones that sound similar or that have the same energy, and I’ll make a list of those … I’ll go through the other [information] … a sibling’s name they want it to flow with, if there’s a middle name, or a grandparent they want to pay tribute to … and I’ll narrow it down from there.

Q: It seems like there’s increasing pressure to pick a name that’s unique. Why is that? 

I experienced this when I named my own child a few weeks ago … His name is Pierce. It’s not the most common name ... I wasn’t trying to invent anything, and I wanted it to be recognizable, but people were like, ‘boo, lame’ or ‘boring’ … I think [the pressure] comes from being in classes with like four Jessicas, Emmas, Hannahs, and Emilys … [Consequently] some of us are like, ‘That sucked. I want them to have their own name and be able to identify with it.’ But also, we’re breeding a new generation of influencers. Some people are picturing their kids on social media and creating this brand for their older selves … [Also] baby name announcements on Instagram [play a role]. People think about what will make others say, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve never heard that before’ or ‘I’ve never met one of those.’

Q: What are some of your favorite — and least favorite — names at the moment?

I’m obsessed with the name Gaia for a little girl. I think it's gorgeous — it means Mother Earth [in Greek mythology] ... For a boy, I love Wells — names that start with a W are so nice. Also, I’ve been seeing Scottie on the rise for girls. It’s cool and cute, but still strong … I [wouldn’t recommend] Atlas. It was up and coming a few years ago, and [its popularity] has increased in a way I’ve never seen ... I’d guess it’ll be in the top 30 [names] next year ... Similarly, Maverick has taken on a life of its own. Then for girls, I’d say Eleanor has really, really taken over.

💕 In relationships...

Turns out, an overwhelming number of brides are hitched to taking their husbands’ last names. Meanwhile, if your partner’s been pulling away, they may be slow dumping you. Plus, friendship coaches are helping people change up their inner circle.

🍦 In food...

Consider whipping up a brain-dump meal plan. You could cook up something as creative as Coke’s Y3000 flavor. Or, something more vanilla. If that’s not your taste, try frozen Lunchables (aka a “guy dinner,” apparently).

💄 In beauty...

Many people are going coco-nuts for this milk mani. Low messy buns are reaching new highs. So is the ribbonaissance. But beware of the Lord Farquaad vibes.

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Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Sheertex's early Black Friday sale.

Everything on their site is $35 right now, including their cult-favorite rip-resistant tights — a feat of engineering, if you ask us.

2. Free shipping sitewide at QVC this weekend.

We're eyeing their fall decor collection. We'll be burning this honeycomb candle and admiring this autumnal faux-floral arrangement till Christmas.

3. Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty Sale ends today.

It's your last chance to get makeup, skin, and hair products for 50% off. Procrastination = not an option.

*Slams laptop shut until Monday.* We know the feeling. And we’ve got some tips for escape.

Don’t settle for the same old game night. Instead, trade up with some new moves: This week, the beloved board game Catan entered the cookbook world — so fans can fuel up on their quest for world domination with recipes like Ear of Plenty Corn Dip and Desert (Prickly Pear) Margaritas. But it’s not the only board game offering some food for thought. If you’re game, try your hand at...

• Candy Land. Pay homage to the Peppermint Forest with peppermint bark, patties, or biscotti. Traverse the Gumdrop Mountains with homemade gummies or freshly-baked cookies. Dip into the Licorice Lagoon with a mouthwatering martini or chewy brownies. Or feast on chocolate frosties and sugar cookie bars on your way to the Frosted Palace. 

• Guess Who? Bring even more mystery to the table with some deceptive treats. That could mean mashed potatoes disguised as ice cream, a strawberry galette that looks like pizza, or fries made from — wait for it — apples. It’ll truly be anyone’s guess. 

• Scrabble. Mix things up with a winning party mix. While there’s nothing wrong with the classic, you could spice things up with a dash of hot sauce. Or, for something sweet, add white chocolate. You could also recreate the actual Scrabble tiles with cookies, Rice Krispies treats, or brownie bites. 

• Clue. Salute Colonel Mustard with some deviled eggs or soft pretzel sticks. Show Professor Plum some love with plum tarts or thyme-plum Moscow mules. And get your daily dose of veggies for Mayor Green, courtesy of a crudité platter. Either way, the answer will be: A friend, with a snack, in the living room.