Send us a text

In this episode, Jessie and Colleen dig into one of the most deceptively tricky parts of naming a baby: the middle name—and the ongoing debate over whether to use a family name or not.

Jessie explains why she’s firmly anti–family middle name, while Colleen shares why she loves them and chose family middles for her own kids. They unpack the emotional weight middle names often carry, the pressure to “honor” someone all from two very different perspectives.

They also explore creative ways to make a middle name feel meaningful without using a family name at all from places that matter in a parent’s relationship, to streets you grew up on, or just using the middle as an opportunity for the fun name you aren't quite bold enough to use for the first. Plus, they talk through why middle names can sometimes feel harder to choose than first names, when compromise makes sense, and how to let go of guilt around your final decision.

If you’re naming a baby, navigating family expectations, or stuck on a middle name that just won’t click, this episode is for you.

Check out the amazing companies featured in this episode using the links below!

Name Bubbles: https://namebubbles.sjv.io/OeNBZQ

Loop Earplugs: loop-earplugs.sjv.io/bOxn6M

The Parent Collective: https://www.theparentcollective.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorXewzguBpDcyYRSCIz7fxYvk8KV0MJb3iuwE6mq3TWd5ygttgx CODE JESSIE10

Harmony Baby: https://wefunder.com/harmony.baby.nutrition?utm_source=JessiePaquette

Send us a text

In this episode, Colleen and Jessie dig into one of the most common baby-naming fears: Is my favorite name too popular to use? We break down what popularity actually means today, how current name trends are shaping classrooms, and why the “Top 10” doesn’t tell the whole story.

We also dive into one of the biggest baby-naming movements of the 2020s — gender-neutral names — discussing what’s driving the trend, how parents are using these names, and what it could mean for the future. Plus, we answer a burning listener question: what criteria did we use when naming our own children? You’ll also hear our take on whether it’s harder to name girls or boys, and Jessie shares her hottest prediction yet about where baby names are headed next.

If you’re naming a baby, obsessing over name charts, or just love talking trends, this episode is for you.

Check out the amazing companies featured in this episode using the links below!

Name Bubbles: https://namebubbles.sjv.io/OeNBZQ

Loop Earplugs: loop-earplugs.sjv.io/bOxn6M

The Parent Collective: https://www.theparentcollective.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorXewzguBpDcyYRSCIz7fxYvk8KV0MJb3iuwE6mq3TWd5ygttgx CODE JESSIE10

Harmony Baby: https://wefunder.com/harmony.baby.nutrition?utm_source=JessiePaquette

Send us a text

In this episode of Name 911, Jessie and Colleen are getting a little spicy. This week, they’re diving into the topic everyone loves to tiptoe around: the baby names they absolutely cannot stand. From “how is that a name?” moments to the ones that make each of them irrationally angry, Jessie and Colleen disagree loudly and remind everyone why it’s completely okay if someone hates your baby name… even your co-host.

They dive into real-life parenting chaos: the truth about having two under two and why Jessie does not recommend it, what it’s like raising spirited little humans, the allure of impulsive Disney trips, and their shared commitment to type-B, “we’re all just doing our best” parenting.

Check out the amazing companies featured in this episode using the links below!

Name Bubbles: https://namebubbles.sjv.io/OeNBZQ

Loop Earplugs: loop-earplugs.sjv.io/bOxn6M

The Parent Collective: https://www.theparentcollective.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorXewzguBpDcyYRSCIz7fxYvk8KV0MJb3iuwE6mq3TWd5ygttgx CODE JESSIE10

Harmony Baby: https://wefunder.com/harmony.baby.nutrition?utm_source=JessiePaquette