This woman charges Rs 8.5 lakh to name babies — and parents are paying
Taylor A Humphrey has turned baby naming into a lucrative career, charging up to $10,000 per name. She researches family history and personal milestones to craft the perfect moniker.
In the era of gig work, people have turned unconventional jobs into full-fledged businesses. From professional queuers to luxury dog walkers, there’s a niche for everything. In New York, one entrepreneur has carved out a truly unique career — Taylor A Humphrey is a professional baby namer.
Humphrey charges up to $10,000 (Rs 8.5 lakh) to help parents find the perfect name for their child. According to the New York Post, she named over 100 babies in 2020, earning around $150,000 (Rs 1.2 core) from her services. She runs a business called What’s In A Baby Name, where she offers everything from simple consultations to deep genealogical research.
For $1,500 (Rs 1.2 lakh), parents get a curated list of names tailored to their preferences. If they’re willing to splurge, her $10,000 (Rs 8.5 lakh) package aligns the child’s name with the family’s business or legacy. She even provides support during labour to help indecisive parents make a last-minute choice.
Speaking to The New Yorker, Humphrey explained, "Baby names reflect cultural values and aspirations." Her work often involves exploring meaningful themes from a couple’s life. She once suggested "Parks” for parents who shared their first kiss in a town called Parker.
She also helps families who struggle to name their third or fourth child. One client, a mother of two sons — Emmet and Miller — asked for a name that matched. Humphrey suggested options like Grady, Wilson, Waylon and Fletcher.
A New York University graduate, Humphrey started her baby-naming business in 2015. Before that, she worked as a matchmaker, event planner and fundraiser. She is also a Reiki practitioner and screenwriter, according to her LinkedIn profile.