Greg Gutfeld’s Hilarious Tale Behind Naming His Daughter Mira: A Nod to Someone Special ✨💞
Greg Gutfeld, the sharp-witted Fox News host known for his late-night show Gutfeld! and co-hosting The Five, has never been one to shy away from blending humor with heartfelt moments. In December 2024, Gutfeld and his wife, Elena Moussa, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Mira, prompting a wave of curiosity about his mysterious absence from the airwaves. Upon his return in January 2025, Gutfeld delighted fans with a comedic yet touching story about why they chose the name Mira—and how it reminds him of someone very special in his life. His signature humor and unexpected twist have left audiences buzzing, making this one of his most memorable anecdotes yet.
A New Chapter for Gutfeld

At 60, Gutfeld embraced fatherhood for the first time, a milestone that caught many by surprise. His co-host Dana Perino announced the birth on The Five on December 10, 2024, reading a statement from Gutfeld: “It is with great joy that my wife Elena and I have welcomed a baby girl into the world. Mira is healthy with a real set of lungs. She has Elena’s beautiful eyes and my rock-hard abs.” The statement, laced with Gutfeld’s trademark wit, also included a playful jab at co-host Jesse Watters, claiming Mira had already asked if Watters wears a toupee.
Gutfeld’s return to Fox News after a six-week paternity leave was marked by celebrations, with his co-hosts presenting gifts and a cake. But it was during a segment on Gutfeld! that he shared the hilarious story behind Mira’s name, revealing a connection to someone special that resonated with fans. The tale, delivered with his characteristic blend of sarcasm and sincerity, showcased why Gutfeld remains a standout in late-night television.
The Story Behind Mira’s Name
In a recent episode of Gutfeld!, the host leaned into his monologue with a grin, teasing that the story of Mira’s name would “blow your mind—or at least make you chuckle.” He began by debunking assumptions that the name was inspired by something grandiose, like a celestial star or a literary heroine. “People think we named her after a galaxy or some Russian poet Elena was obsessed with,” Gutfeld quipped. “Nope. It’s way more personal—and way weirder.”
Gutfeld revealed that the name Mira was inspired by a figure from his past: a quirky, unforgettable barista at a coffee shop he frequented in his early New York days. “This woman was a force of nature,” he said. “She’d misspell my name on the cup every time—Greg became Craig, Grog, even Grok once, which I took as a sign from the universe.” The barista, named Mira, was known for her quick wit, relentless energy, and ability to roast customers with a smile. “She’d hand me my coffee and say, ‘Here’s your overpriced bean juice, Mr. Fancy Pants.’ I loved her. She was like a stand-up comic trapped in an apron.”
Gutfeld explained that Mira, the barista, left a lasting impression because she embodied a no-nonsense authenticity he admired. “She didn’t care about impressing anyone, but she made your day better just by being herself,” he said. When he and Elena were brainstorming names, Mira popped into his mind. “I told Elena, ‘Mira’s the kind of name for someone who’s gonna call it like it is, just like that barista.’ Elena loved it, probably because it’s also vaguely Russian and she could claim credit.”
A Special Connection

The “someone special” Gutfeld referred to wasn’t just the barista but what she represented: a reminder of his pre-fame days when life was simpler, and small interactions carried big meaning. “Back then, I was just a guy hustling, writing for magazines, trying not to spill coffee on my one good shirt,” he said. “Mira the barista was a daily dose of reality—she kept me grounded.” Naming his daughter Mira, Gutfeld admitted, was his way of honoring those roots and passing on that spirit of authenticity to his child.
The story took a hilarious turn when Gutfeld confessed he tried tracking down the barista years later, only to learn she’d left the coffee shop to start her own food truck business. “I like to think she’s out there, serving tacos and insults with the same gusto,” he joked. “If you’re watching, Mira, we named our kid after you. You’re welcome!” The audience roared, and social media lit up with fans sharing their own stories of memorable characters who inspired them.
Why Mira Resonates
The name Mira, derived from Latin and Slavic roots, means “admirable” or “wonderful,” a fitting choice for a couple embarking on parenthood. Gutfeld noted that the name’s simplicity and strength appealed to both him and Elena. “It’s short, punchy, and doesn’t sound like we’re trying too hard,” he said. “Plus, it works in English, Russian, and probably Martian, so we’re covered for the future.”
Fans on X have embraced the story, with many praising Gutfeld’s ability to weave humor with heart. One user wrote, “Only Greg could turn a coffee shop memory into a baby name saga. Mira’s already got the coolest backstory!” Another commented, “Naming his kid after a sassy barista? That’s peak Gutfeld. Mira’s gonna be a legend.” The outpouring of support reflects Gutfeld’s knack for connecting with audiences through relatable, offbeat anecdotes.
Fatherhood and Humor

Gutfeld’s reflections on fatherhood have been a mix of comedy and candor. He’s admitted to being a hands-off dad when it comes to diapers, joking that he’s “never around” when Mira needs changing. But he’s also shared poignant moments, like when he told The Five that Mira’s birth erased “sixty years of regret” because every choice led to her existence. The name story adds another layer, showing how Gutfeld finds meaning in the mundane and uses humor to process life’s big moments.
Elena, a fashion stylist and former photo editor, has been less vocal but equally involved in the naming process. Her Valentine’s Day Instagram post, featuring a rare glimpse of Mira, captioned simply “Love,” hinted at her joy in motherhood. The photo, showing Mira in a gray knitted outfit with their French Bulldog Gus vying for attention, melted fans’ hearts. Gutfeld’s absence from the snap underscored his preference for privacy, letting Elena take the spotlight.
A Legacy of Laughter
The Mira naming story encapsulates why Gutfeld has become a late-night powerhouse, toppling ratings giants like Fallon and Colbert. His ability to spin a personal anecdote into a universal tale—complete with self-deprecating humor and cultural jabs—sets him apart. By naming his daughter after a barista who embodied grit and charm, Gutfeld reminds fans that life’s most meaningful moments often come from unexpected places.
As Mira grows, she’ll no doubt inherit her father’s quick wit and her mother’s poise, with a name that carries a story as unique as her parents. For now, Gutfeld is back in his element, riffing on fatherhood, politics, and everything in between. “Mira’s already stealing the show,” he said, closing the segment. “Just wait till she starts roasting Jesse Watters herself.” With a name inspired by a coffee-slinging comedian, Mira Gutfeld is off to a stellar start. ✨💞