Consultants are Charging Up to $10,000 to Help Parents Name Their Babies

Choosing a baby name is no longer a simple task. Instead of flipping through baby name books, parents can now hire baby naming consultants!

These professionals research popular names, trends, and offer personalized suggestions for the perfect name. While this service used to be exclusive to the wealthy, it’s now becoming more popular. 

This shift is driven by parents’ desire to give their children unique and special names. However, this personalized service comes with a price tag, sometimes as high as $10,000.¹

Unusual Baby Names: A Growing Trend

Influencer Francesca Farago recently shared unconventional baby name options like Heart, Orca, and Afternoon, sparking mixed reactions.^(ref) 

This trend has fueled the baby naming consultant industry. Consultants like Steph Coffield^(ref) help parents find unique names inspired by ancient Greek mythology or uncommon words. Morgan Timm helps parents avoid common names like “Jessica L” or “Matthew R” by offering uncommon alternatives.^(ref)

Now, ordinary parents are also embracing unique names for their children. 

What is a Baby Name Consultant?

A baby name consultant is a professional who specializes in helping parents choose the perfect name for their child. They go beyond traditional baby name books by offering personalized advice and expertise based on current trends, cultural significance, and individual preferences.

Services Offered

• Personalized Name Lists: Consultants curate unique and meaningful name suggestions tailored to the parents’ preferences and values.
• Trend Analysis: They stay up-to-date with the latest naming trends, helping parents choose names that are both unique and relevant.
• Cultural Significance: Consultants can offer names with cultural or historical significance, adding depth and meaning to the choice.
• Brand Alignment: For public figures, some consultants offer “baby name branding” services to ensure the name aligns with their personal brand.
• Consultation Packages: Many consultants offer different packages, ranging from basic name lists to comprehensive consultations with ongoing support.

Cost

The cost of hiring a baby name consultant can vary widely. Some consultants charge a few hundred dollars for basic services, while others offer premium packages for several thousand dollars.

Some consultants like Taylor A. Humphrey offers premium custom services with prices upon request. Humphrey even offers a “full service baby naming concierge service catering to public figures.^(ref) 

Establishing Credibility

Baby name consultants possess skills that enable them to guide parents through the exciting yet daunting task of choosing the perfect name for their child. It’s not your average AI-generated name list. 

These skills include a deep understanding of language, culture, and psychology, combined with strong communication and empathy.

Linguistic Expertise

• Etymology: Baby name consultants have a strong grasp of etymology, the study of word origins. This allows them to uncover the meanings and historical significance behind different names.
• Cultural Awareness: They are well-versed in the cultural connotations of names across different societies, helping parents choose names that resonate with their heritage or personal values.
• Linguistic Trends: Consultants stay updated on evolving naming trends, ensuring that their suggestions are both timeless and relevant.
• Name Aesthetics: They consider the sound, spelling, and overall aesthetic appeal of names, aiming for a harmonious fit with the family’s surname and other children’s names.

Research Prowess

• Data Analysis: Consultants analyze data on popular names, historical trends, and emerging patterns to provide parents with informed insights.
• Cultural Research: They delve into the cultural significance of names, exploring mythology, folklore, and literature to unearth unique and meaningful options.
• Trend Forecasting: Consultants stay ahead of the curve by identifying emerging trends and predicting future popular names.
• Personalized Research: They tailor their research to the specific preferences and values of each family, ensuring a bespoke approach to naming.

Interpersonal Skills

• Active Listening: Consultants actively listen to parents’ desires, aspirations, and concerns, creating a safe space for open communication.
• Empathy: They empathize with the emotional significance of choosing a name, recognizing the hopes and dreams parents have for their child.
• Communication: Consultants articulate their expertise in a clear and accessible manner, guiding parents through the decision-making process.
• Conflict Resolution: They navigate potential disagreements between parents, facilitating compromise and consensus.

Additional Skills

• Creativity: Consultants think outside the box, offering unique and imaginative name suggestions that resonate with parents.
• Marketing: They promote their services effectively, building a strong brand and attracting clients through various channels.
• Business Acumen: Consultants manage their business operations, ensuring financial stability and sustainable growth.

The Consultation Process

While the specifics may vary depending on the consultant, the general process usually includes the following stages:

1. Initial Contact: The process begins with the parents reaching out to the baby name consultant through their website, social media, or other channels. This initial contact may involve a brief discussion to assess the parents’ needs and determine if the consultant is a good fit.
2. Questionnaire or Intake Form: Consultations like those offered by Colleen Slagen start at $350 and involve detailed questionnaires to understand parents’ preferences.^(ref) The process considers factors like name popularity, cultural significance, and compatibility with surnames.
3. Consultation Session: After reviewing the questionnaire, the consultant will schedule a consultation session with the parents. This session may take place in person, over the phone, or via video call. 
4. Name Research and Brainstorming: Based on the information gathered, the consultant will conduct extensive research and brainstorm potential names. They will consider various factors such as:
5. Presentation of Name Options: The consultant will present a curated list of name options to the parents, usually with explanations of their meanings and origins. This list may include a variety of styles and options to cater to the parents’ diverse tastes.
6. Feedback and Refinement: The parents will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the suggested names, sharing their thoughts and preferences. The consultant may then refine the list further based on this feedback.
7. Final Decision: Ultimately, the parents will choose the name they feel is the perfect fit for their child. The consultant may offer additional support and guidance during this decision-making process.
8. Follow-Up (Optional): Some consultants offer follow-up services, such as providing additional name options, assisting with middle name choices, or creating personalized name announcements.

Throughout the consultation process, the baby name consultant serves as a trusted advisor, providing expert guidance, creative suggestions, and support to help parents find a name that they will cherish for a lifetime.

Baby Naming Companies

Companies like Nameberry also offer naming services. Their “naming session” with a baby name expert costs $350, while the comprehensive “name concierge” package, providing nine months of on-call advice, costs $10,000.^(ref)

Steph Coffield, a baby naming consultant, started her business on TikTok and initially charged $30 for five name suggestions. Now, she offers personalized name lists for $140, video packages for $200, and a luxury service with phone consultations for $700.^(ref)

Pricing & Exclusivity

The baby naming industry offers a wide range of services with varying levels of pricing and exclusivity that cater to different budgets and preferences. 

Basic Packages

Many consultants offer basic packages that include a personalized list of name suggestions based on the parents’ preferences and criteria. These packages are often priced at a few hundred dollars, making them a more accessible option for budget-conscious parents.

While helpful for initial brainstorming and exploration, these packages may not provide in-depth analysis or ongoing support.

Comprehensive Consultations

Consultants offering comprehensive consultations provide a more extensive and personalized service. This may include multiple consultations, detailed name research, and ongoing support throughout the decision-making process.

These packages usually cost several thousand dollars, reflecting the greater level of expertise and time commitment involved. For parents seeking comprehensive guidance and a truly unique name, this option offers greater value and a more tailored experience.

Luxury Services

Some consultants cater to high-profile clients, such as celebrities and public figures, offering exclusive services with premium pricing.

These services often include “baby name branding,” where the name is carefully chosen to align with the client’s personal brand and public image. Also, luxury packages can cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars, reflecting the exclusivity and tailored nature of the service.

Additional Costs

• Follow-Up Services: Some consultants offer additional services, such as middle name suggestions, personalized name announcements, or ongoing support, often at an extra cost.
• Rush Fees: If parents need a name urgently, some consultants may offer expedited services for an additional fee.
• Travel Expenses: For in-person consultations, travel expenses may be incurred if the consultant needs to travel to meet with the parents.

Exclusivity Clauses

In some cases, high-profile clients may require consultants to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to maintain confidentiality and exclusivity around the chosen name. Due to high demand, some exclusive consultants may have limited availability and long waiting lists.

Baby naming can be a profitable career, especially with the additional income from TikTok content creation. However, success in this field requires genuine passion for understanding client’s needs and organic growth.

Source: 

1. nypost.com