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.