Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen Welcome Their First Child – And The Baby’s Name Is a Touching Tribute to His Buffalo Roots 🍼🏈💙
Hollywood star Hailee Steinfeld and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen have officially embarked on a new chapter of their lives as they welcomed their first child, a baby boy, in late July 2025. The couple, who tied the knot in a stunning California ceremony on May 31, 2025, shared the joyous news via a heartfelt Instagram post, captivating fans worldwide. What has truly stolen the spotlight, however, is the baby’s name—a touching tribute to Allen’s deep connection to Buffalo, New York, where he has become a beloved figure both on and off the football field. This article delves into the couple’s journey to parenthood, the significance of their son’s name, and how their love story continues to charm fans across the globe.
A Love Story That Captured Hearts
Hailee Steinfeld, an Academy Award-nominated actress and singer, and Josh Allen, the 2024 NFL MVP, first sparked romance rumors in May 2023 when they were spotted dining together in New York City. Their relationship, initially kept private, blossomed over time, with Steinfeld gradually integrating into Allen’s world in Buffalo. From attending Bills games at Highmark Stadium to co-hosting team events, Steinfeld embraced the passionate Bills Mafia fanbase, earning her the title of Buffalo’s “New Queen” on a viral billboard in January 2025.
The couple went Instagram official in July 2024, with Allen sharing romantic photos from a trip to Paris, followed by their engagement announcement in November 2024. Allen proposed on a California cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by candles and a floral arch, a moment Steinfeld later described as “perfectly unexpected.” Their wedding, held in Ventura, California, was a luxurious affair, with Steinfeld stunning in a strapless gown and Allen dapper in a black suit. The ceremony, attended by close family, friends, and select Bills teammates, marked a milestone in their low-key yet deeply committed relationship.
Welcoming Their First Child
Speculation about Steinfeld’s pregnancy began circulating in early 2025, fueled by her appearance at a gender reveal party for Allen’s teammate Shane Buechele and his wife, Paige. Social media buzzed with congratulations, though the couple remained tight-lipped about their own plans for parenthood. In May 2025, Steinfeld’s lifestyle newsletter, Beau Society, featured an issue on pregnancy and postpartum experiences, prompting further speculation. However, it wasn’t until their July 2025 announcement that fans received confirmation of their growing family.
On July 28, 2025, Steinfeld and Allen posted a joint Instagram photo of their newborn son’s tiny hand grasping Allen’s finger, adorned with his wedding band. The caption read, “Our little MVP has arrived. Welcome to the world, Orchard James Allen. We love you more than words can say. 🍼💙.” The post garnered millions of likes, with fans, celebrities, and Bills teammates flooding the comments with well-wishes. Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins, who had previously hinted at the couple’s wedding date, wrote, “Lil Orchard’s gonna be a beast! Congrats, fam! 🦬,” while actress Florence Pugh, Steinfeld’s Hawkeye co-star, added, “So much love for your beautiful boy! 🥰.”
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name Orchard James Allen is a heartfelt nod to Allen’s adopted hometown of Buffalo, specifically Orchard Park, where Highmark Stadium stands as the heart of Bills fandom. Allen, who grew up on a cotton farm in Firebaugh, California, has often spoken about his gratitude for Buffalo’s unwavering support since being drafted by the Bills in 2018. The name “Orchard” symbolizes the couple’s commitment to rooting their family in the community that embraced Allen as a quarterback and a leader.
The middle name, James, honors Allen’s late grandfather, James “Buzz” Allen, who played a significant role in shaping his work ethic and love for sports. In a 2024 interview with ESPN, Allen shared, “My grandpa was my biggest inspiration growing up. He taught me to never give up, no matter the odds.” By choosing this name, the couple pays tribute to both Allen’s personal heritage and his professional home, blending their California and Buffalo identities.
Fans on social media were quick to celebrate the name’s significance. One X user wrote, “Orchard James Allen is the most Buffalo name ever! Josh and Hailee are giving Bills Mafia a new mascot! 🏈💙,” while another commented, “Naming their kid after Orchard Park? That’s peak loyalty. JA17 is Buffalo through and through.” The name has also sparked playful speculation about the baby’s future, with some fans joking that Orchard might one day throw touchdowns at Highmark Stadium.
Steinfeld and Allen’s Journey to Parenthood
Steinfeld, known for her roles in True Grit, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and Sinners, has always been candid about valuing privacy in her personal life. In a February 2025 interview with Who What Wear, she said, “When so much of your life is public, you cherish the moments that are just yours.” Despite their high-profile careers, Steinfeld and Allen have prioritized creating a grounded environment for their son. Sources close to the couple told People magazine, “Hailee and Josh are over the moon. They’ve been preparing for this moment with so much love and excitement.”
Allen, who credited Steinfeld for his standout 2024 NFL season, has spoken about his desire to start a family. In a January 2025 newsletter quoted by The Hollywood Gossip, he described his proposal, saying, “I told Hailee I couldn’t wait to start a family with her. She’s my best friend and my biggest supporter.” The couple’s shared values—hard work, loyalty, and community—have evidently shaped their approach to parenthood.
Steinfeld’s integration into Buffalo’s tight-knit community has also prepared her for this new role. From shopping for Bills merchandise with Allen’s mom, Lavonne, to gifting a personalized onesie to Paige Buechele at her baby shower, Steinfeld has embraced the camaraderie among Bills players’ families. Her thoughtful gestures, like attending gender reveal parties and hosting a circus-themed Halloween bash for the team, reflect her commitment to building a support network in Buffalo.
Buffalo’s Reaction and Future Hopes
The arrival of Orchard James has electrified Bills Mafia, with local businesses already capitalizing on the excitement. Leveled Up Buffalo, a shop Steinfeld visited in 2023, released a limited-edition “Orchard Allen #17” onesie, which sold out within hours. Delaware North, a Buffalo-based company, displayed a congratulatory message on a Highmark Stadium billboard, dubbing Orchard “Bills Mafia’s Littlest Fan.” The Buffalo Sabres, whose games Steinfeld and Allen have attended, also tweeted, “Welcome to the 716, Orchard! Let’s get you some skates and a jersey! 🏒💙.”
As Allen gears up for the 2025 NFL season, fans are hopeful that the Bills can finally secure a Super Bowl ring, a dream Allen has chased since joining the team. In a June 2025 press conference, he said, “Marrying Hailee and welcoming Orchard are my greatest victories, but I’m hungrier than ever for that Lombardi Trophy.” Steinfeld, who cheered Allen on during the Bills’ AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in January 2025, is expected to continue supporting him from the stands, possibly with Orchard in tow.
A Bright Future Ahead
Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen’s journey—from a chance meeting in New York City to marriage and now parenthood—has captivated fans with its authenticity and warmth. Orchard James Allen’s arrival marks a new era for the couple, one rooted in love, family, and a deep connection to Buffalo. As Steinfeld balances her thriving career in Hollywood and Allen aims for NFL glory, their shared commitment to each other and their son promises a future filled with joy and achievement.
Whether Orchard grows up to follow his father’s footsteps on the football field or his mother’s path in the spotlight, one thing is certain: he’ll be raised with the values of resilience, community, and heart that define both Steinfeld and Allen. For now, Bills Mafia and Steinfeld’s fans alike are celebrating this milestone, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this power couple’s inspiring story.
