After years of quirky baby name trends, including unique spellings and names inspired by pets, a more traditional style is making a comeback— the “CEO test.”
Baby name expert Collen Slagen, who runs the consulting business Naming Bebe, says “Ivy League” names are gaining popularity. This doesn’t mean babies will be named after prestigious schools like Harvard or Princeton. Instead, it signals a return to timeless, classic names that are seen as sophisticated and enduring.
Slagen, a 34-year-old mother of three, showcased the trend in a series of TikTok videos. In these videos, she paired names with Ivy League universities, using examples like Whitaker and Vivienne from Yale.
According to Slagen, “Ivy League” names are those that convey a sense of prestige and refinement. “Parents are looking for names that are polished, timeless, and versatile,” she told TODAY.com.
While these names may suggest sophistication, Slagen points out that the choice of a baby name doesn’t guarantee future success. A child named “Onyx,” for example, can still become a CEO, despite the name’s more unconventional feel. “Times have changed. Culture has evolved,” she added. However, she noted that many of these “Ivy League” names tend to be more common among Caucasian children.
Slagen recommends considering last names as first names, such as Callaway, Cooper, or Brooks, as they are often associated with the trend. Some examples of popular “Ivy League” names include Bartholomew, Richmond, Stetson, and Forrest for boys, and Palmer, Sinclair, Georgina, and Kensington for girls.
Slagen believes that these names reflect a desire among parents to set their children up for success. “At their core, parents want their child to be successful, and they may hope that a sophisticated name can help manifest that,” she said.
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