When aspiring actors and actresses arrive in Hollywood, one of the first things most agents tell them to do is change their name, especially if it’s too bland for the big screen. Thomas Mapother, for instance, doesn’t have quite the same star power as Tom Cruise, and the same could be said for Tara Patrick versus Carmen Electra.
That need to have a standout name must stay with celebrities all the way into parenthood—how else would you explain all of the multisyllabic and/or mind-bogglingly bizarre names they give their kids? It’s said that Demi Moore and Bruce Willis started the “unique” name trend with their daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, though some stars jumped on the bandwagon years before that (Frank Zappa being one of the more egregious offenders). But even an odd name like Rumer seems as plain as John or Jane compared with what other celebrities have named their offspring.
Wham! Pow! Thwack!
Fame and fortune can change your life in infinite ways, but not when it comes to a deep-seated love of comic books. These stars may get to play or direct superheroes only in real life, but clearly they’re transferring hope to the next generation.
Penn and Emily Jillette: Moxie CrimeFighter
Sylvester Stallone and Sasha Czack: Sage Moonblood
Nicolas Cage and Alice Kim: Kal-El (Superman’s birth name)
Nicole Richie and Joel Madden: Sparrow James Midnight
Robert Rodriguez and Elizabeth Avellán: Rocket Valentino, Racer Maximiliano, Rebel Antonio, and Rogue Joaquin
Mmm … Baby Names
These parents must’ve been awfully hungry when it came time to fill out the birth certificate. Sure, giving birth burns a ton of calories and drums up fierce cravings, but that still doesn’t justify a name like Peaches Honeyblossom.
Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow: Apple
Jamie and Jools Oliver: Poppy Honey
Courteney Cox and David Arquette: Coco
Bob Geldof and Paula Yates: Peaches Honeyblossom
Isaiah and Jenisa Marie Washington: Thyme
Frank Zappa and Adelaide Gail Sloatman: Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen
