Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt welcome a baby boy—and his name has a classic twist

On November 11, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt and Chris Pratt shared their joy on Instagram, announcing the birth of their new baby boy, Ford Fitzgerald Schwarzenegger Pratt.

“Mama and baby are doing well, and Ford’s siblings are thrilled by his arrival. We feel so blessed and grateful. Love, Katherine and Chris.”

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A post shared by Katherine Schwarzenegger (@katherineschwarzenegger)

This sweet addition joins big sisters Lyla Maria, 4, and Eloise Christina, 2, as well as Chris’s son, Jack, 11, from his previous marriage to Anna Faris.

A name rich in heritage and literary tribute

The name Ford Fitzgerald seems to carry layers of possible meaning, blending family heritage with a nod to American literary history. While Katherine and Chris haven’t confirmed the inspiration behind the name, it’s possible that Ford may subtly pay tribute to Katherine’s maternal lineage and her connection to the Kennedy family. Katherine’s mother, Maria Shriver, is part of this iconic family, and the middle name Fitzgerald could honor her great-uncle, John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

Additionally, the name Fitzgerald brings to mind the celebrated author F. Scott Fitzgerald, best known for his classic novel The Great Gatsby. If this literary connection is intentional, Katherine and Chris may have chosen a name rooted in both family history and timeless literature, gifting their son a name with depth, significance, and a touch of classic elegance—fitting right into the growing trend of vintage-inspired baby names in 2024.

The couple’s approach to family and parenthood

Katherine, a New York Times bestselling author of children’s books like Good Night, Sister and host of the BDA Podcast (Before, During, After Baby), has often spoken about the importance of community and leaning on loved ones. In a recent interview with People, she shared that she’s not interested in doing it all alone—a perspective that’s a breath of fresh air in today’s world of “supermom” expectations:

“I feel like on Instagram we see all these moms that are like, ‘I’m doing it all on my own,’ and I’m like, ‘I don’t want to do it all on my own.’ I want to lean on my sister, I want to lean on my mom, I want to lean on my girlfriends, my mom friends.”

For Katherine, being a mom isn’t about checking every box—it’s about being present, reaching out for help, and embracing the ups and downs of motherhood with an open heart. This philosophy is at the core of her BDA Baby podcast, where she explores the value of community in navigating the highs and lows of parenting.

This approach aligns closely with Chris’s views on parenting and partnership. In a heartfelt tribute to Katherine on Instagram last May, he acknowledged her efforts and the importance of working together to support their family.

“Witnessing you be a mom to Lyla and Eloise and a stepmom to Jack makes me fall more and more in love with you every day. The 24/7 job of scheduling, transporting, loving, nurturing, managing calendars, planning activities, the nutrition, the boundaries, the rules, the patience, the gentleness, the firmness, the wisdom, and grace. It’s truly a marvel.”

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A post shared by Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt)

For both Katherine and Chris, parenting isn’t about doing everything alone; it’s about being present, supporting one another, and embracing the help of family and friends. This shared outlook strengthens their family and reinforces the sense of community they both prioritize as parents.

Family, faith, and gratitude

Katherine and Chris’s relationship has always been grounded in family values and faith. Since they first met in 2018—a match set up by Katherine’s mom, journalist Maria Shriver—they’ve shown us what it means to create a blended family filled with love, respect, and gratitude. From their blended family gatherings to the funny and relatable behind-the-scenes moments they share with fans, it’s clear that this couple is dedicated to keeping it real.

With the arrival of baby Ford, we can only imagine the new memories and adventures in store for the Schwarzenegger Pratt family of five. Congratulations to Katherine, Chris, and their growing family on this beautiful new chapter!