GOOD NEWS: After Failing to Name Their Baby, Rihanna and ASAP Rocky Have Publicly Announced the Birth of Their Newborn, Revealing the Baby’s Surprise Name That Has Left Fans Speechless
In a moment that has set social media ablaze, global superstars Rihanna and ASAP Rocky have finally shared the joyous news of their third child’s birth, putting an end to months of speculation and anticipation. The couple, known for their boundary-pushing creativity in music, fashion, and now parenting, revealed the newborn’s name in a surprising announcement that has left fans stunned and buzzing with excitement. The reveal, which came after reports that the couple struggled to settle on a name, marks another chapter in their journey as a family, already parents to two sons, RZA Athelston Mayers and Riot Rose Mayers.
The announcement was made in a heartfelt Instagram post by Rihanna, featuring a candid family photo captured by photographer Miles Diggs. The image showed Rihanna cradling the newborn while ASAP Rocky held their two boys, with the family glowing in a moment of pure love. The caption simply read, “Our hearts are full. Welcome to the world, Rebel Rose Mayers.” The name Rebel Rose, continuing the couple’s tradition of ‘R’ names, immediately sparked a frenzy online, with fans praising the choice for its bold yet tender resonance. The name, which blends a nod to Rihanna’s rebellious spirit with the softness of “Rose,” a recurring motif in their family (seen in Riot Rose’s name), has been hailed as both unexpected and perfectly fitting.
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky, who have been together since 2019, first announced their third pregnancy at the 2025 Met Gala, where Rihanna debuted her baby bump in a striking Marc Jacobs ensemble. The couple’s decision to share the news on such a high-profile stage was quintessential Rihanna, blending fashion, music, and personal milestones into a single, unforgettable moment. ASAP Rocky, a co-chair of the event, confirmed the pregnancy on the red carpet, telling reporters, “It feels amazing. It’s time we show the people what we’ve been cooking up.” His excitement was palpable, and fans noted his playful yet proud demeanor as he spoke about their growing family.
The journey to naming their third child was not without its challenges. Sources close to the couple revealed that Rihanna and Rocky had debated for months, unable to agree on a name that felt right. “They wanted something that captured their vibe—bold, unique, but meaningful,” an insider shared with PEOPLE. The couple’s love for names starting with ‘R’—a nod to Rihanna’s real name, Robyn, and Rocky’s, Rakim—narrowed their options, but the process was reportedly fraught with indecision. Earlier this year, ASAP Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, jokingly claimed the couple promised to name their next child “ASAP Joe” after his successful defense in Rocky’s 2021 assault case. While that name didn’t make the cut, the eventual choice of Rebel Rose has proven to be a fan favorite.
Speculation about the baby’s gender had been rife since the pregnancy announcement, with Rocky hinting at the Smurfs premiere in Brussels that they might be expecting a girl. When asked by Entertainment Tonight if this was “the girl they’ve been waiting for,” Rocky responded with a sly, “It is, man, it is,” holding up a Smurfette doll to dodge the question playfully. Rihanna, however, remained coy, teasing, “Could be a Papa Smurf. Who knows!” The reveal of Rebel Rose has since confirmed fans’ suspicions, with many celebrating the arrival of the couple’s first daughter.
The name Rebel Rose carries a deeper significance for the couple, who are known for their non-conformist approach to life and art. “Rebel reflects their shared ethos of breaking boundaries,” a source told Us Weekly, while “Rose” ties into Rocky’s love for flowers, a passion he’s expressed through his music and fashion. The name has already inspired a wave of fan art and social media posts, with hashtags like #RebelRoseMayers trending across platforms. Fans have taken to X to express their awe, with one user writing, “Rebel Rose is such a power move. Only Rihanna and Rocky could pull this off.”
As Rihanna and ASAP Rocky settle into life as a family of five, their focus remains on balancing their high-octane careers with parenthood. Rihanna, who has been teasing her ninth album, told reporters at the Met Gala that her pregnancy wouldn’t slow her down musically, saying, “I can still sing.” Meanwhile, Rocky has been busy with his role as creative director at Ray-Ban and his AWGE fashion line. Despite their demanding schedules, the couple’s commitment to raising open-minded, creative children shines through. Rihanna shared in a 2024 Interview Magazine feature, “When someone believes you’re worthy of being the mother of their kids, it’s a great feeling.” With Rebel Rose’s arrival, that feeling has only grown stronger, and fans can’t wait to see what this dynamic family does next.
