Sonya Prior

Baby Naming Expert and Content Creator

Sonya Prior is a name consultant known as the BB Namer based in Auckland, New Zealand. With a lifelong interest in names and a background in brand strategy, marketing, and copywriting, Sonya has grown her passion for names into a baby naming consulting business and shares name content on social media to over 30k followers across Instagram and TikTok. Sonya has worked with families around the world and has been featured in The Cut, The New Zealand Herald, The Telegraph, The Sydney Morning Herald, and more.

Education

BA Art History & Sociology, University of Auckland

Favorite Piece of Advice

A name is one of the first gifts you give your child. Make sure it is about them whilst reflecting on where and who they come from. The right name will always feel just like that - right, and go easy on yourself. A name is one of the few things you can control in pregnancy, so it is easy for people to fixate on it. Have fun, come from a place of love, and be kind to yourself along the process.

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Co-authored Articles (44)

230 Pretty, Aesthetic, & Whimsical Surnames

How to choose a gorgeous last nameIf you’re a writer, an artist, or another type of creative, you probably know how important it is to come up with a fitting and aesthetically pleasing name for your character. Luckily,...

Evil Female Names with Dark Meanings

Learn the history behind the most villainous girl names of all timeLooking for an evil female name that’s unique and powerful? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’re providing the ultimate list of evil girl ...

150+ Common Italian Last Names + Meanings

Study the history of Italian, Sicilian, & Italian-American surnamesItaly is not only renowned for its food, art, history, and landscapes, but also for its surnames that have unique and culturally-rich meanings. Italian s...

Top 350 British Names for Boys (and Their Meanings)

Choose the perfect British-inspired boy nameBritish names have a sense of elegance and sophistication. Whether you’re looking to embrace your British heritage or simply looking for a classic name for your baby boy, the...

The Ultimate List of Biblical Names for Girls: 215+ Christian Options

Including beautiful girl names inspired by scripture & saintsIf you’re looking for name ideas, the Bible is a great source for inspiration. Not only can you find traditional, common names like Mary and Sarah, but there...

300 Best Gothic Names for Girls (and What They Mean)

Embrace your dark side with these goth girl namesMany goths embrace the darker side of life, and gothic names reflect that. If you’re looking for a goth girl name, consider names that are both haunting and beautiful. I...

75 Vintage Victorian Boy Names to Choose From

Classic, vintage & unique boy names you may have forgotten aboutWhat do classic names like Theodore, William, Ezra, and Oliver have in common? They were all popular during the Victorian Era (1837-1901), the period when Q...

285 Unique, Edgy, and Dark Emo Names

Prove it’s not just a phase by choosing an emo nameEmo people generally appreciate the darker things in life, including literature, art, fashion, and even names. If you want to prove it wasn’t a phase after all, cons...

The 230+ Best Water & Ocean Inspired Baby Names

Plus water names from ancient mythology and beyondAre you ready to take a plunge into the wonderful world of water-themed names? You’ve come to the right place! Names that mean water (or relate to water) reflect the ma...

200+ British and English Girl Names

Pick the perfect British girl name for your future AnglophileBritish girl names offer a mix of traditional elegance and modern whimsy. Whether you’re seeking to honor your English heritage or simply an Anglophile, ther...

200+ Mystical Witch Names: Options from Myth & Pop Culture

Plus, learn how to choose your own spellbinding witch nameAre you interested in finding mystical, witchy names but don’t know where to start? Keep reading for our comprehensive list of over 300 witch names that include...

175+ Baby Names Meaning Snow, Ice, White & More

Plus, tips for choosing the perfect winter baby nameSnow is a beautiful element that symbolizes purity, cleansing, new beginnings, and tranquility, making it a great source of name inspiration for your child. In this art...

How to Create a Cool Nickname

Generate a fun nickname for yourself or a friend Whether you want something catchy to call your friends by or a mysterious name to help you go incognito, creating a cool nickname is a great way to stand out from the crow...

The Ultimate List of Victorian Girl Names

Unique, pretty, & elegant Victorian names from a bygone eraNames like Eleanor, Beatrice, Phoebe, and Cordelia are more than old-fashioned girl names—they specifically became popular in the mid to late 1800s in the Vict...

165+ Medieval Last Names and Surnames From England & Europe

Plus, learn how to create your own historic surname with a generatorAre you interested in last names that date back to the Middle Ages? Keep reading, because we’ve put together a list of over 180 medieval last names th...

140+ Baby Names Meaning Blue, Sky, Ocean & More

The best blue-inspired names from different languages & culturesBlue is a powerful color that symbolizes peace, tranquility, and trust, making it a great source of name inspiration for your child. In this article, we’v...

225+ Popular & Unusual Irish Baby Girl Names

Plus, how to decide on a name for your baby daughter Are you proud of your Irish ancestry and looking for a girl’s name that reflects that? Or maybe you just love the sound of Irish girl names. Either way, this article...

80 Beautiful & Unique French Names for Girls

How to choose the best French name for your baby girlFrench names often sound vintage, sophisticated, and feminine, making them a perfect option for your baby girl. If you’re looking for the most beautiful French girl ...

290 Old Money Names That Exude Sophistication & Wealth

Learn what old money names are and how to choose oneOld money names are vintage names associated with wealth and class. If you aspire to have generational wealth and live that elite, country club lifestyle, choose an old...

265 Names That Mean Red from Around the World

Find the perfect “red” name for your baby or characterRed is a powerful color that evokes feelings of passion, confidence, and love. Because of the color’s positive associations, plenty of popular names mean or are...

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