Kaley Cuoco has faced criticism over the name she and fiancé Tom Pelphrey chose for their newborn baby girl, with some social media users urging the actress to reconsider their decision.
The Big Bang Theory star, 40, announced the arrival of her second child on Instagram on October 14, sharing a series of personal photographs from the hospital.
While the announcement was filled with affection, the unusual name selected by the couple quickly became a talking point online, with some questioning whether it was a suitable choice for their daughter.
Cuoco and Pelphrey, who got engaged in 2024, have been together since 2022. Their growing family already includes their three-year-old daughter, Matilda, and the couple have regularly shared glimpses of their life together with fans.
Now, as reactions to the birth announcement continue, the name itself has become the focus of an online debate.
Kaley Cuoco’s relationship history
Cuoco became a household name playing Penny on The Big Bang Theory, appearing in the hit sitcom from 2007 until it ended in 2019.
Her personal life has also attracted considerable attention over the years, including two marriages that ultimately ended in divorce.
The actress married professional tennis player Ryan Sweeting on December 31, 2013, after the pair became engaged following just three months of dating.
However, the relationship came to an end less than two years later. They announced their separation in September 2015, with their divorce finalised in May 2016.
Cuoco later began dating equestrian Karl Cook in 2016. Cook proposed on her 32nd birthday in November 2017, and they married in June 2018.
In September 2021, the pair announced they were separating, explaining that their lives were heading in different directions. Their divorce was finalised the following year.
Cuoco’s relationship with actor Tom Pelphrey began in 2022, with the actress confirming their romance in May of that year.
Pelphrey, known for appearing in Ozark and Banshee, soon became a significant part of her life. The couple announced they were expecting their first child together later in 2022.
Their daughter, Matilda, arrived on March 30, 2023, and the pair announced their engagement in August 2024.
The arrival of their second child marks another milestone for the couple as they settle into life as a family of four.
Kaley Cuoco announces the birth of her second child
Cuoco shared the news of her newborn daughter’s arrival on Instagram, posting photographs of herself and Pelphrey cuddling their baby in hospital.
Alongside the pictures, she wrote: “There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.”
She also reflected on the journey that had brought them to this moment, adding: “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo!”
The actress continued: “Family officially complete. Time to bring Matilda’s baby home!”
Addressing her fiancé directly, she added: “[@tommypelphrey] life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever, girl daddy!”
The announcement included further glimpses of the newborn, with Cuoco sharing a photograph on her Instagram Stories alongside the words: “She’s here!”
She also gave fans a look at how her older daughter was preparing for the new arrival. Matilda was pictured wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the words “Big Sister”.
Cuoco captioned the image: “Someone waiting at home for us!”
According to a source speaking to People, Matilda was delighted about becoming an older sibling.
“Matilda is so excited to be a big sister,” the insider said, adding that ‘everyone is happy and healthy’ and that the family were ‘all loving up on the new addition to their family.’
Fans criticise the unusual baby name
Although Cuoco and Pelphrey’s announcement was warmly received by many fans, others focused on their choice of name.
Celebrity baby names often attract considerable discussion online, particularly when parents opt for something less familiar. While some people welcome distinctive names, others question whether they could cause difficulties for children as they grow older.
In this case, some social media users described the choice as potentially ‘cruel’ and suggested the actress should reconsider it.
“She will hate you for giving her that name,” one person commented.
Another wrote: “I guess you can pretty much name your kid whatever you want…”
A third joked: “Try to say that five times fast.”
Someone else wrote: “This is so cruel.”
The reactions have prompted debate about whether unusual names are a creative way for parents to express themselves or something children might find challenging later in life.
However, the couple appear to have chosen the name for personal reasons, with a source explaining that family connections and a shared love of traditional names played a part in their decision.
The meaning behind the couple’s choice
According to People, Cuoco and Pelphrey were drawn to a name that reflected their appreciation for classic, vintage choices.
The source also explained that the couple selected the baby’s middle names to honour relatives on both sides of the family.
“They always choose the middle name to honor family members,” the insider said.
The source continued: “Carmine is a nod to her father, [and Bobby is] a nod to Tom’s side of the family.”
The explanation suggests that the name was chosen with family history in mind, rather than simply to make a statement.
The couple have not publicly indicated that they intend to change their daughter’s name in response to the online reaction.
What did Kaley Cuoco name her baby girl?
The name that has sparked the discussion is Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Cuoco and Pelphrey revealed their daughter’s full name in their Instagram birth announcement, accompanying the post with pink hearts and a pink bow emoji.
The actress also revealed that their daughter was born on October 12, 2026, two days before the couple shared the news publicly.
The newborn’s family nickname is already Philo, which the source told PEOPLE suited the couple’s preference for vintage names.
For Cuoco and Pelphrey, the arrival marks another happy chapter following their engagement and the birth of Matilda.
Despite the criticism from some corners of social media, the couple appear focused on enjoying their time with their newest addition, with a source confirming that everyone was happy and healthy as they began their life together as a family of four.
