Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson has shared the mixed reactions from her family after choosing the unique name Cosmo for her young son.
Keeping the Name a Secret
The actress, who is 41 years old, admitted she deliberately kept the name private from relatives for a significant time. She revealed this during an appearance on NBC's Today with Jenna and Friends on Thursday, 4th December 2025.
Scarlett explained to host Jenna Bush Hager that she didn't tell anyone the name specifically to avoid seeing "weird faces" or hearing comments like "Oh, that's different." She wanted to shield herself from any immediate negative reactions.
A Mother's Delight Versus a Mother-in-Law's Doubt
The response from her own mother, 74-year-old actress Melanie Sloan, was overwhelmingly positive. Johansson said her mum "loved it," which was a relief. The name held a special, nostalgic meaning for Sloan, as it reminded her of a childhood crush from the third grade.
However, the reception from her mother-in-law, Kerry Kelly, was notably cooler. Several days after learning the name, Kelly suggested "Cosimo" as a more recognisable alternative. This subtle critique highlighted the generational or personal differences in taste.
A Shared Experience of Naming Woes
The conversation on the show took a relatable turn when co-host Jenna Bush Hager, 44, shared her own family naming story. She disclosed that her mother, former First Lady Laura Bush, 79, had issues with how people in their home state of Texas pronounced her eldest daughter's name.
Jenna named her daughter Mila, spelled M-I-L-A. Laura Bush pointed out that Texans were pronouncing it exactly as it is spelled, rather than the intended "M-E-L-A" sound, and even suggested changing the spelling. Jenna, who also has a daughter Poppy, 10, and a son Hal, 6, with husband Henry Chase Hager, 47, was naturally resistant to the idea.
Scarlett Johansson is also mother to an 11-year-old daughter, Rose, from her previous marriage to journalist Romain Dauriac. She married Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost in a private 2020 ceremony at her New York home.
