Keke Palmer’s ex-boyfriend “made up” their son’s name. The creative naming process reflects a growing trend among celebrities who choose unique monikers for their children, with many modern parents seeking distinctive alternatives to traditional names.
The 31-year-old actress — whose real name is Lauren Keyana Palmer — welcomed Leodis into the world with her now ex-partner Darius Jackson in February 2023, and revealed that the former NFL star wanted the moniker to be a combination of both of their names. This blended naming approach has become increasingly popular among contemporary parents who want their children’s names to reflect both family heritage and personal significance.
“Darius actually made his name. He wanted both our names, which is so crazy,” she said, speaking on Scott Evans’ House Guest podcast. “So yeah, that was him trying to put like Darius and Lauren, like Leodis, like it was just too much, but I said, ‘Hey, let’s do it. It’s adorable.'” The process of combining parental names demonstrates the couple’s desire to create something entirely new while honoring both parents equally.
The former Nickelodeon star joked that “anything went” at that time as far as she was concerned because she was pregnant, and then began to admire how the name started to sound as if it carried some sort of historical prestige. Many expectant parents find themselves more open to unconventional choices during pregnancy, often embracing creativity in ways they might not have considered before.
“I was pregnant, anything went. It’s adorable, … and then also it sounded like an old name,” she explained. “He sounded like he was marching with [Martin Luther King Jr.]. It’s like Leodis Andrellton Jackson. He’s gonna be on somebody’s campaign.” Palmer’s connection between the name and historical civil rights figures shows her appreciation for names that carry cultural weight and dignity.
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Palmer split from Jackson in October 2023, and she obtained a temporary domestic violence restraining order over the “physical and emotional abuse” that she alleged was inflicted on her, but she recently admitted that she felt “grateful” that the two can just co-parent their son together. The transition from a troubled relationship to successful co-parenting represents a significant personal achievement for both parties involved.
“I gotta be honest, I would’ve never thought that I would be where I am now, and so I’m very grateful that this has now been the outcome and we’ve been able to coexist in this way and show up for our son, and just be in a different place. It’s a real blessing,” she told host Gayle King, speaking on “CBS Mornings.” “That’s the best way that I can explain it.” Her transformation demonstrates remarkable personal growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Nope actress previously admitted that turning 30 had put her in a “different headspace” and she had found “peace” since becoming a mother. This milestone birthday often brings clarity and perspective that younger years may lack, allowing individuals to prioritize what truly matters in their lives.
“I do feel like being 30, it’s put me in a different head space that’s allowed me to kind of feel more observational about my life,” she told PEOPLE. “I’m not so in the weeds of everything. I’m really trusting and having faith that everything will work out as it should. I think so much of that peace has come from my son.” Motherhood has clearly provided Palmer with a sense of purpose and emotional stability that transcends her previous challenges.
Palmer‘s journey from relationship turmoil to peaceful co-parenting illustrates the complex nature of modern family dynamics. Her willingness to discuss these personal struggles publicly helps normalize the challenges many parents face when relationships end but children remain the priority.
The actress has built her career on authenticity and relatability, qualities that have endeared her to audiences since her early days in entertainment. Her openness about both the creative naming process and the subsequent relationship difficulties provides insight into the realities of celebrity parenthood.
The unique name Leodis has garnered attention not just for its unusual construction but for the thoughtfulness behind its creation. Despite the relationship’s end, both parents contributed to giving their son a name that reflects their individual identities while creating something entirely new.
Palmer‘s ability to find gratitude and peace in what began as a difficult situation speaks to her emotional maturity and commitment to providing stability for her son. Her story continues to evolve as she navigates single motherhood while maintaining her successful entertainment career and fostering a healthy co-parenting relationship with Jackson.
