Research-backed guides on naming for professional success
Applicant Tracking Systems scan resumes before any human sees them. Research shows certain name patterns trigger subconscious bias — and it starts from the very first name on the application.
Read Article → 7 min readResearch shows that unusual baby names reduce employability, not increase it. Pascual et al. (2015) found name popularity is the strongest predictor of employability. Here's what that means for your naming choices.
Read Article → 6 min readA name that works for a newborn may not work for a CEO. Research from Syracuse University and the journal Names shows certain names date your child — and that can affect career outcomes decades later.
Read Article → 9 min readNaming disagreements aren't about names — they're about identity, heritage, and fear of the future. Most couples need a system, not a compromise. Here's the one that actually works.
Read Article → 8 min readYour baby's initials form an acronym the moment they enter professional life. This guide walks you through how to check yours and what to do if it flags a concern.
Read Article → 6 min readA curated guide to 50 first names with strong cross-industry acceptance, low phonetic friction, and minimal ATS parsing risk. Based on SSA data and hiring research.
Read Article → 10 min readThe middle name is the most strategically valuable piece of a professional name that most parents leave to chance. Here is how to use it to fix acronym problems, preserve heritage, and give your child a professional edge.
Read Article → 8 min readResearch from Syracuse, the journal Names, and Psychology Today reveals why parents regret name choices — and which patterns consistently age poorly. Includes SSA name aging data.
Read Article → 8 min readGender-neutral names now make up 17% of all names given in 2023. Here's what the SSA 2025 data shows about cross-gender names like Avery, Riley, and Quinn — and how they perform in professional contexts and ATS systems.
Read Article → 7 min readA name that reads as professional in one cultural context may create friction in another. Research on cross-cultural name perception, diaspora naming, and how to future-proof your baby's name internationally.
Read Article → 9 min readBooks and guides we genuinely recommend — independently reviewed, Amazon-affiliate linked.
The gold-standard naming guide — 100,000+ names, organised by sound, style, and cultural origin. Used by naming consultants and parents alike.
View on AmazonA week-by-week guide from conception through baby's first 3 months — medically reviewed, practically written.
View on AmazonThe authoritative guide to professional conduct — covers networking, client meetings, business dining, attire, and navigating office politics.
View on AmazonRun your chosen name through the ATS Score Tool for an instant analysis — no signup required.
Try the ATS Score ToolAll articles cite peer-reviewed research and government data. Sources are listed at the bottom of each article.