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.

wikiHow's Editorial ProcesswikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.

Co-authored Articles (58)

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 ...

200+ Baby Names That Mean Death & Darkness for Boys & Girls

Your guide to death-related names throughout world cultures & folklore Are you looking for a baby name with power, gravity, and a connection to the concept of death or darkness? While some people may think a name that me...

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...

300 Space-Themed Girl Names: Moons, Stars, & More

Choose an astrology-themed name for a baby girlOuter space is full of gorgeous planets, moons, stars, and other heavenly bodies, so it’s no surprise that space-inspired names have been popular for centuries. If you’r...

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...

290+ Short Baby Girl Names That You’ll Adore

Plus, tips for choosing the perfect baby nameLooking for a short and sweet name for your baby girl? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of 2- to 5-letter names, whether you want s...

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...

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...

150+ Baby Names That Mean Fire for Boys & Girls

A guide to fire-related names in mythology, history & world languages Do you want to give your child an unforgettable name with a unique, fiery spark? There’s no shortage of names related to fire, regardless of your cu...

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...

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...

200+ Lovely Girls', Boys', and Unisex Names That Mean Light

Baby names meaning "light" from different cultures & languages If you’re looking for a luminous name that reflects the dazzling nature of light in all its forms, you’ve come to the right place. There are powerful and...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

See more articles