Keke Palmer is giving fans the backstory behind her son Leodis Andrellton Jackson’s one-of-a-kind name, and it’s every bit as creative as it sounds.
In a recent appearance on House Guest with Scott Evans, the actress revealed that it was her son’s father, Darius Jackson, who came up with the name “Leodis” by blending their own names—Darius and Lauren, which is Palmer’s given name.
“Darius actually made his name. He wanted both our names, which is so crazy,” Palmer explained. “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.’ ”
While it may have been a spontaneous choice, Palmer said it quickly grew on her. “I was pregnant, anything went. It’s adorable, … and then also it sounded like an old name,” she said. “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 and Jackson welcomed their son on February 25, 2023, during Black History Month. Since then, the Nope star has shared glimpses into her life as a new mom, calling motherhood her “greatest gig yet.”
“Mommy’ing is coming along if you were looking for an update,” she wrote in a March 2023 Instagram post. “I have juggled quite a few careers but this is my greatest gig of all. I will never be the same again, but if you thought I was a bad mama jamma before, you can’t imagine the greater purpose my son has given my life!”
To celebrate Leo’s first birthday earlier this year, Palmer posted a sweet message celebrating the deep connection she shares with her son.
“My life can and will never be the same. You have made me who I will forever be, a MOTHA,” she wrote. “Leodis, from the moment you were in my stomach I knew you were a strong little boy. I could just feel it!”
“Even though you are no longer in my stomach you are in fact my greatest strength,” she continued. “Idk if it’s telepathy or what but you have taught me that I can do anything and as long as you are watching I promise I won’t let you down. Strong baby, strong mommy!!!”
