Rihanna’s Third Pregnancy Confirmed by Her Mother — Accidental Baby Name Reveal Sparks Frenzy

Global superstar Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is expecting her third child with partner A$AP Rocky, and the confirmation came from an unexpected source—her mother, Monica Braithwaite, who inadvertently set the internet ablaze with a now-deleted social media comment hinting at the baby’s name. The news, which follows Rihanna’s iconic pregnancy reveal at the 2025 Met Gala, has sent fans into a tailspin, especially as speculation mounts about a possible departure from the couple’s “R” naming tradition. With the Fenty-Mayers family already boasting two sons, RZA and Riot, the world is buzzing with theories about the new baby’s name, gender, and the circumstances surrounding Monica’s accidental reveal.

A Mother’s Slip-Up Ignites Speculation

The confirmation of Rihanna’s third pregnancy emerged in early July 2025, when Monica Braithwaite, Rihanna’s mother, responded to a fan’s comment on an X post celebrating Rihanna’s appearance at the Smurfs movie premiere in Brussels on June 28, 2025. The fan wrote, “Rihanna glowing with baby #3! Any name guesses?” Monica’s reply, which was quickly deleted but screenshotted by eagle-eyed fans, read, “So excited for my grandbaby Zuri! Robyn’s doing amazing.” The comment, though brief, sent shockwaves through the Rihanna Navy, as it not only confirmed the pregnancy but also suggested a potential name—Zuri—breaking from the family’s established “R” naming convention.

While Monica’s comment was swiftly removed, the internet never forgets. Screenshots circulated widely on X, with users speculating about the name’s significance. Zuri, a Swahili name meaning “beautiful” or “good,” sparked debates about whether it was the final choice or a placeholder. Some fans questioned if Monica’s comment was a deliberate tease, while others believed it was a genuine mistake, given her quick deletion. This wasn’t the first time a family member’s slip-up fueled speculation; in 2023, Rihanna’s team had to clarify rumors after a relative hinted at her second pregnancy before the Super Bowl reveal.

Rihanna’s Official Pregnancy Reveal

Rihanna herself confirmed her third pregnancy at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5, 2025, where she debuted her baby bump in a pinstriped Marc Jacobs ensemble, complete with a polka-dot cravat and oversized hat, aligning with the event’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme. A$AP Rocky, a co-chair of the gala, told reporters, “It’s time that we show the people what we was cooking up,” expressing the couple’s joy. The reveal was quintessential Rihanna, blending high fashion with a cultural moment, much like her previous announcements—a Harlem street-style photoshoot for RZA in 2022 and the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show for Riot.

Since the Met Gala, Rihanna has embraced her pregnancy publicly, showcasing her bump at events like the Smurfs premiere in Brussels, where she voiced Smurfette, and the Los Angeles premiere on July 13, 2025, in a sheer Chanel outfit and a glamorous brown gown, respectively. Sources close to the couple, as reported by PEOPLE, describe them as “thrilled” to be expanding their family, with Rihanna wanting her children to be close in age to foster a strong sibling bond.

The Zuri Controversy: A Break from Tradition?

The accidental reveal of the name “Zuri” by Monica Braithwaite has raised eyebrows, as it deviates from the “R” naming tradition that defines the Fenty-Mayers family. Rihanna (Robyn), A$AP Rocky (Rakim), and their sons RZA and Riot all share names beginning with “R,” a pattern Rihanna confirmed would continue. At the Smurfs Los Angeles premiere, she told Entertainment Tonight, “It’s always going to be an R name. That’s the one thing me and Rocky don’t fight over.” A$AP Rocky echoed this on Late Night with Seth Meyers on May 7, 2025, stating the third child’s name would “for sure” start with an “R.”

The mention of “Zuri” has led fans to speculate whether Monica’s comment was a mistake, a misdirection, or an indication that the couple might be reconsidering their naming convention. On X, fans posted theories, with one user writing, “Zuri is cute, but no way Rihanna’s breaking the R tradition. Maybe it’s a middle name?” Another suggested, “What if Zuri’s a nickname for something like Zircon, keeping the gemstone vibe?” The gemstone connection stems from Rihanna’s hint at the Smurfs premiere that the baby’s name might be inspired by a gemstone, similar to Riot’s middle name, Rose, linked to rose quartz. Popular guesses include Ruby, Rhodonite, or Rhea, all fitting the “R” and gemstone themes.

Gender Hints and Twin Rumors

Adding to the excitement, A$AP Rocky appeared to reveal the baby’s gender at the Smurfs Brussels premiere, responding to Entertainment Tonight’s question, “Is that the girl you’ve been waiting for?” with, “It is, man, it is,” before deflecting with a Smurfette toy. Rihanna, however, remained coy, saying, “Let’s see if it’s a Smurfette! Could be a Papa Smurf! Who knows!” This has led fans to believe the baby might be a girl, fulfilling Rihanna’s earlier expressed desire for a daughter, as noted in a 2023 E! News interview where she jokingly said she was “batting at 75% for a boy next time.”

Speculation about twins has also surfaced, fueled by the size of Rihanna’s bump at recent appearances and a comment at the Met Gala where she referred to “kids” instead of “kid.” However, no credible sources have confirmed twins, and the rumor remains speculative. Fans on X have proposed twin names like Ruby and Rhea, blending the “R” tradition with the gemstone theme.

The Miniature Bass Guitar Rumor

Rumors also circulated that A$AP Rocky was seen buying a miniature bass guitar, suggesting a music-inspired gift for the baby. However, no credible reports from outlets like PEOPLE or Entertainment Tonight confirm this, and it appears to be a fan-driven rumor possibly confused with Rihanna’s anecdote about rolling RZA’s bassinet into the bathroom. The couple’s love for music is evident, with Rihanna noting in a 2024 Interview magazine feature that both RZA and Riot are fans of melody, with RZA loving books and water, and Riot being a morning “singer.”

Rihanna and Rocky’s Growing Family

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, who began dating in 2019, have embraced parenthood with enthusiasm. They welcomed RZA in May 2022 and Riot in August 2023, and sources say their bond has deepened since becoming parents. Rihanna told British Vogue in 2023 that motherhood is “legendary,” transforming her perspective on life. Rocky has been described as a hands-on father, handling diaper changes and bedtime routines to support Rihanna during her pregnancy. The couple’s commitment to family was evident at the Smurfs Los Angeles premiere, where RZA and Riot joined their parents in mini Dior outfits, stealing the show.

What’s Next for the Fenty-Mayers Clan?

Despite her pregnancy, Rihanna remains active, working on her ninth album and a maternity collection to empower pregnant women, as reported by Life & Style. Her role as Smurfette in Smurfs, complete with original music, showcases her versatility. The accidental name reveal by Monica has only heightened anticipation for the baby’s arrival, with fans eagerly awaiting confirmation of whether “Zuri” is the true name or a misstep. Whether the name sticks or reverts to an “R” like Ruby or Rhodonite, Rihanna and Rocky are sure to make the announcement in their signature iconic style, keeping the world captivated by their growing family.