Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson Website

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson

Naming Consultant and Childhood Expert

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson is a naming consultant and early childhood expert based in Liverpool, England. Dr. Wilson shares name meanings, naming tips, and other inspiration on social media @little_name_library to over 20k followers on instagram. Dr. Wilson is also a Senior Lecturer in Practice & Employability for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health & Wellbeing degree at Edge Hill University and has extensive experience working with children during early childhood. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood and Adolescence Studies, a Master’s degree in Research, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Liverpool John Moores University.

Education

  • BA (Hons) Childhood & Adolescence Studies, Liverpool John Moores University
  • Master of Research: Health Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Liverpool John Moores University
  • PGCE in Higher Education, University of Huddersfield

Professional Achievements

  • Senior Lecturer and interdisciplinary researcher with a background in psychology, creative arts, and narrative practices
  • Presented her work on reminiscence and life review at international conferences
  • Featured as a baby naming expert on platforms such as wikiHow, where she offers guidance on meaningful, psychologically resonant naming
  • Her research-informed approach is reflected in her consulting work and creative digital presence
  • Currently engaged in ongoing research projects that examine narrative meaning-making in childhood and family identity formation
  • Led and validated a foundation degree in childhood mental health and wellbeing
  • Previously worked as a supervisor in respite care services for children with complex and additional needs
  • Continues to lecture in practice & employability for CAMHS and supervises research in related fields
  • Undertakes private consulting work, applying her expertise in mental health and narrative identity to help individuals and families explore meaningful decision-making

Favorite Piece of Advice

Advice to parents: My favourite advice is to choose a name that feels meaningful to you - one that reflects your values, tells part of your story, or simply feels right when you say it out loud. It doesn’t have to be the most unusual or the most trendy - just a name that feels like it belongs to your family. The right name will carry a quiet strength and grow with your child through every stage of their life.

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Forum Comments (2)

Tell us your favorite middle names for girls
Great middle names can either ground a whimsical first name or add flair to a timeless classic. Some versatile options include: Lou, Mae, Skye, Rae, Elise, Louise, Ruth, Elizabeth, Wren, Claire, Faye, June, Rose, Blythe. When naming, it is important to aim for rhythm, flow, and balance with the first and last names.
What are your favorite unique boy names?
Some favourites: Torin (chief), Orson (little bear), and Lev (heart in Hebrew, lion in Russian). These names stand out without being difficult to wear.

I also love the nature trend right now:
Fox
River
Rowan
Oakes

And the surnames as first names trend:
Brookes
Carter
Beckett
Harrison
Dawson
Easton
Miller

Co-authored Articles (30)

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Naming expert Dr. Haley Elizabeth Wilson shares the most popular Chinese last namesChina may have one of the highest populations in the world, but there are only about 4000 surnames used by native Chinese people. In this...

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Naming expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson goes over common Dutch surnames & explains where they come fromDutch last names are some of the oldest surnames in the U.S. They can vary from names based on family and location ...

235 of the Best French Middle Names for Your Little One

Naming expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson shares her best French middle name suggestionsIf you’re an expectant parent looking for a French middle name for your son or daughter, you’re in luck! Whether you’re lookin...

125+ Popular & Rare Filipino Surnames (with Meanings)

Naming expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson shares insights into Filipino last namesMany Filipino last names have Spanish origins, due to Spanish colonization in the mid-19th century. However, some last names come from ind...

265+ Short Baby Boy Names That You’ll Adore (& What They Mean)

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

155 Fae Names for Babies or Fictional Characters

Find the perfect male or female fairy-inspired nameThere’s nothing more magical than a fairy, so a good fae name needs to embody a super ethereal energy. Luckily, we’ve compiled a thorough list of great fae names, wi...

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Find a regal name for your little princessIf you’re a new parent expecting a baby girl, chances are you already see her as your little princess. So why not pick an elegant, regal name to match this energy? We’ve comp...

Popular Polish Surnames (with Meanings)

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80+ Common Australian & Aboriginal Last Names

Naming expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson shares common Australian surnames & where they come fromWhile many popular Australian surnames have British roots, others are inspired by Aboriginal peoples and cultures from all...

The 100 Best Bird Names for Baby Girls: Pretty & Unique Options

Plus tips for picking the perfect bird name for your daughter!Birds symbolize freedom, beauty, and grace, making them the perfect source of inspiration for a baby name. In this article, we’re providing an extensive lis...

145 of the Best Girl Names that Start with “M”

Naming expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson shares her favorite girl names that start with “M”Are you a new parent looking for a marvelous, magical “M” name for your daughter? You’ve come to the right place! We s...

100 Beautiful Names That Mean “Ocean” or “Sea”

Plus, mythical names inspired by the oceanThe ocean is beautiful, powerful, and the perfect inspiration for baby names! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 100 of the most beautiful names that mean “ocean” or...

Charming Baby Names That Mean Lucky, Fortunate, & Blessed

Naming expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson shares the best baby names that mean “lucky,” “fortunate,” or “blessed”When you have a child, you, of course, want them to have a happy and successful future. So, why...

150+ Cute Names that Start with K for Girls

Naming expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson helps you find the perfect “K” nameAre you an expectant parent looking for the perfect “K” name for your daughter? You’re in luck! With the help of naming expert Dr. Ha...

The Best Italian Girl Names and Their Meanings

Find the prettiest Italian name for your baby girlWhether you have Italian heritage or simply love the beautiful Mediterranean country, you might be searching for the perfect Italian name for your baby girl. Well, you’...

200+ Best Girl Names that Mean Love

Plus, names that mean love plus strength, peace, or beautyIf you’ve got a little girl on the way, one thing's for sure: you’re going to love her with all your heart. So why not pick a name that conveys all this affec...

200 Cool Tree Names for Boys That Are Tough as Timber

If you adore trees and want to honor them by naming your baby boy after them, there’s no need to scour the internet. We’ve compiled 200 tree names for boys, ranging from the popular, cute, and unique to the earthy an...
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