Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Plan Third Child’s Name – Chris Brown’s Shocking Suggestion Steals the Spotlight!

The anticipation surrounding Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s third child reached new heights in May 2025, as the couple, expecting their baby later this year, began dropping hints about their naming plans. Already parents to sons RZA (born 2022) and Riot Rose (born 2023), the power couple announced their third pregnancy at the 2025 Met Gala, where Rihanna’s baby bump dazzled in a custom Marc Jacobs suit. Fans have been buzzing about the next ‘R’ name in the family’s tradition, but it’s an unexpected suggestion from Chris Brown, Rihanna’s former partner, that’s sending shockwaves through social media. 🤯

The ‘R’ Name Tradition

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, have established a clear naming pattern with their children. Their first son, RZA Athelston Mayers, is named after the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA, while their second, Riot Rose Mayers, draws inspiration from Rocky’s song “Riot” and his love for flowers, particularly roses, as noted by Entertainment Tonight. Rocky confirmed on Late Night with Seth Meyers that their third child’s name will “for sure” start with an ‘R’, keeping the family tradition alive.

Speculation about the name has been rampant. Fans on X have suggested names like “Reign,” “Raven,” or “Rakim,” the latter a nod to Rocky’s birth name. Rihanna, who told Interview Magazine in 2024 that she’s open to having “as many kids as God wants” and hopes for a girl, has fueled theories with her playful comments about batting “75 percent for a boy.” Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, revealed in February 2025 that the couple jokingly promised to name their next child “A$AP Joe” after his acquittal in a firearms case, though this was likely tongue-in-cheek.

The couple’s naming process is deeply personal. Rihanna explained to Today that Pharrell Williams suggested “Riot” for their second son, initially thinking it was a girl’s name, and the couple embraced its cultural depth. With their third child, they’re reportedly considering names that reflect their heritage, creativity, and shared love for music, as seen in their Met Gala appearance celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

Chris Brown’s Jaw-Dropping Suggestion

Amid the excitement, Chris Brown, Rihanna’s ex from the late 2000s, entered the conversation with a name suggestion that left fans stunned. Brown, who congratulated the couple on RZA’s birth in 2022 via an Instagram Story, reportedly sent a private message to Rihanna suggesting the name “Royalty” for their third child. The choice is shocking not only because of Brown’s tumultuous history with Rihanna, marked by his 2009 assault conviction, but also because Royalty is the name of his own daughter, born in 2014 to Nia Guzman.

The suggestion, which leaked via a source close to Brown and was reported by In Touch Weekly, sparked a firestorm on X. Some fans saw it as a bold attempt at reconciliation, with one post reading, “Chris Brown suggesting Royalty for Rihanna’s kid? That’s either sweet or shady AF.” Others were outraged, citing the insensitivity given their past, with comments like, “Royalty? Chris needs to sit this one out.” The name, while fitting the ‘R’ tradition, carries heavy baggage, as it’s tied to Brown’s personal life and his public redemption narrative.

Brown’s motives are unclear. A source told Us Weekly that he views the gesture as a “peace offering,” reflecting his growth since their 2009 fallout. However, his recent legal troubles, including a May 2025 arrest in the U.K. for an alleged 2023 incident, have kept him under scrutiny, making his involvement in Rihanna’s orbit controversial. Rihanna and Rocky have not publicly responded, but insiders say they’re focusing on their family and dismissing the suggestion as “irrelevant.”

A Star-Studded Naming Debate

The name drama unfolded against the backdrop of Rihanna and Rocky’s high-profile lives. After the Met Gala, they hosted a celebratory after-party at Jean’s Restaurant, attended by stars like Ciara, Pharrell, and La La Anthony. Ciara, who reconciled with Rihanna in 2024, reportedly weighed in on the name, suggesting “Rhapsody” for a girl, according to People. Pharrell, whose influence shaped Riot’s name, is said to be pushing for something “cosmic and deep,” aligning with his spiritual approach to creativity.

The couple’s friends and family are also chiming in. Rihanna’s father, Ronald Fenty, told Page Six in 2023 that the couple went through “a few names” for RZA, hinting at their thorough process. Rocky’s mother, Renee Black, has reportedly suggested “Rasta” to honor their Caribbean roots, per a source cited by Hello!. The public’s fascination with the name reflects Rihanna and Rocky’s cultural impact, with X posts like, “Rihanna’s next baby name is gonna break the internet, but Chris Brown’s out here wildin’.”

Rihanna and Rocky’s Focus

Despite the buzz around Brown’s suggestion, Rihanna and Rocky remain centered on their family. Rihanna told Entertainment Tonight at the Met Gala that she’s “shockingly feeling okay” during her third pregnancy, balancing motherhood with her Fenty empire and upcoming R9 album. Rocky, fresh off his Ray-Ban creative director role and acquitted of gun charges, expressed gratitude for the public’s support, saying, “We’ve been seeing love for the most part.”

Their commitment to privacy is evident. They kept RZA’s name under wraps for a year until Rocky confirmed it on Instagram, and Riot’s name surfaced via a leaked birth certificate. This time, they’re likely to reveal the name on their terms, possibly through a Fenty campaign or a music-related announcement, given their knack for blending personal and professional milestones.

A Name That Defines a Legacy

The debate over the third child’s name underscores Rihanna and Rocky’s ability to captivate the world. Their choices—RZA, Riot, and now an impending ‘R’ name—reflect their love for hip-hop, fashion, and cultural heritage. Brown’s suggestion, while attention-grabbing, is a footnote in their story. As one X user put it, “Rihanna and Rocky are naming their kid something iconic, not Chris Brown’s recycling bin.”

With the baby due soon, fans eagerly await the reveal. Whether it’s “Rhapsody,” “Rasta,” or something entirely unexpected, the name will cement Rihanna and Rocky’s legacy as parents and cultural icons. For now, the couple is basking in their joy, leaving the drama to the headlines.