When celebrities announce a new arrival, the world often holds its breath, anticipating a name that’s as unique and headline-grabbing as their parents’ lifestyles. We’ve seen our fair share of Apples, Norths, and X Æ A-Xii’s, names that become conversation starters in their own right. However, amidst the trend of an-avant-garde monikers, a surprising number of stars opt for timeless and traditional baby names for their little ones. These choices often stand out precisely because they defy expectations of celebrity eccentricity. Let’s explore seven celebrity baby names that are refreshingly classic, proving that some traditions never go out of style, even in Hollywood.
1. Anne Hathaway – Jonathan and Jack
Anne Hathaway, an Academy Award-winning actress known for her versatile roles and graceful presence, chose beautifully traditional baby names for her two sons with husband Adam Shulman. Their eldest is named Jonathan Rosebanks, and their younger son is Jack. Jonathan, a Hebrew name meaning “gift of Jehovah,” has been a consistently popular and respected choice for centuries. Jack, often a diminutive of John (meaning “God is gracious”), is a sturdy, friendly, and enduringly popular classic in its own right. These choices reflect a love for timeless simplicity.
2. George and Amal Clooney – Ella and Alexander
International human rights lawyer Amal Clooney and Hollywood icon George Clooney are a power couple known for their sophistication and global influence. When they welcomed twins in 2017, they chose the elegantly traditional baby names Ella and Alexander. Ella, with Germanic roots meaning “all” or “completely,” is a short, sweet, and vintage name that has seen a significant resurgence. Alexander, a Greek name meaning “defender of mankind,” is a strong, classic, and regal choice that has been borne by kings and leaders throughout history.
3. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively – James, Inez, and Betty
Actors Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, beloved for their humor and style, have also embraced classic names for their daughters, albeit sometimes with a twist. Their eldest daughter is named James, a traditionally masculine name that they’ve stylishly adopted for a girl, giving it a modern yet rooted feel. Their other daughters are Inez, a Spanish/Portuguese form of Agnes meaning “pure,” and Betty, a charmingly vintage diminutive of Elizabeth, meaning “pledged to God.” While James for a girl is a contemporary choice, its roots and the classic nature of Inez and Betty ground their selections in tradition. These selections showcase a blend of modern sensibility with respect for traditional baby names.
4. Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger – Lyla and Eloise
Actor Chris Pratt and author Katherine Schwarzenegger have also opted for sweet and classic names for their daughters. Their first daughter is Lyla Maria, with Lyla being a name with multiple origins (often considered a feminine form of Lyle or a variant of Leila, meaning “night beauty”) that has a gentle, traditional charm. Their second daughter is Eloise Christina; Eloise is a French and German name meaning “healthy” or “wide,” and it carries a sophisticated, vintage appeal. These choices are beautifully feminine and align with a growing trend back towards more traditional baby names.
5. Scarlett Johansson – Rose and Cosmo
Scarlett Johansson, one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actresses, chose a beautifully simple and classic name for her daughter with ex-husband Romain Dauriac: Rose. Rose, a floral name, is timeless, elegant, and has been a beloved choice for generations. More recently, with her husband Colin Jost, she welcomed a son named Cosmo, a Greek name meaning “order, beauty, universe.” While perhaps less common than Rose today, Cosmo has ancient roots and a classic feel, evoking a sense of worldly charm rather than fleeting trendiness.
6. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel – Silas and Phineas
Music superstar Justin Timberlake and actress Jessica Biel selected strong, classic, and somewhat vintage names for their sons. Their older son is named Silas, a name of Latin origin meaning “wood, forest,” which has biblical connections and a rustic, timeless appeal. Their younger son is Phineas, a name with Hebrew and Egyptian origins possibly meaning “oracle” or “dark-skinned,” which is distinctive yet carries a classic, almost literary feel. These choices demonstrate an appreciation for names with history and character, solidifying their preference for traditional baby names.
7. Emily Blunt and John Krasinski – Hazel and Violet
Beloved Hollywood couple Emily Blunt and John Krasinski chose charmingly old-fashioned and lovely names for their two daughters: Hazel and Violet. Hazel is a nature-inspired name referring to the hazel tree or the color, and it was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, now enjoying a stylish comeback. Violet, another beautiful floral name, shares this vintage charm and has been a consistent classic. Both names are gentle, sweet, and evoke a sense of enduring appeal.
The Enduring Appeal of the Classics
In a world that often prioritizes the novel and the unique, these celebrity choices highlight the lasting beauty and appeal of traditional baby names. These names carry a sense of history, familiarity, and timeless elegance that ensures they won’t quickly fall out of fashion. For these stars, opting for classic monikers might be a conscious decision to ground their children in tradition amidst the whirlwind of fame. It’s a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the most surprising choice is the beautifully simple one.
Which celebrity baby name do you find surprisingly traditional, or do you have a favorite classic baby name? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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