Keke Palmer reveals origin of son’s name after sharing the deeply personal story last week, shedding light on how she and ex-partner Darius Jackson chose the name Leodis. The disclosure happened during an interview with Scott Evans, offering fans new insight into the special meaning behind her son’s distinctive name.
The Special Naming Inspiration for Leodis
Palmer appeared on Scott Evans’ Webby award-winning show on June 7, discussing her journey to motherhood and the unique decision process that led to her son‘s name. According to Palmer, Darius Jackson was the driving force behind the choice, wanting to combine their own names—Darius and Lauren—into something original for their child. She recalled that this idea mirrors her own parents’ approach when they named her, contributing to a sense of family continuity and creativity.
“Darius actually made his name. He wanted both our names, which is so crazy,”
—Keke Palmer, Actress
During the discussion, Palmer humorously reminisced about her openness to the idea, stating that being pregnant made her more receptive to suggestions, no matter how unconventional they seemed at the time. She described how the merging of their names resulted in Leodis, viewing the process as both charming and sentimental.
“My parents did the same thing….That was him trying to put (like) Darius and Lauren like Leodis…It was too much, but I said, ‘Hey, let’s do it.’ It was adorable. I was pregnant, ya know, so anything went.”
—Keke Palmer, Actress
Embracing Tradition with a Modern Twist
Palmer expressed appreciation for choosing a name that stands out, noting its classic feel and sense of history. She told Evans that Leodis sounded like someone from a previous generation, even joking about historical associations. The actress referenced imagining her son as resembling Michael Evans from the iconic television show Good Times, adding a playful element to her reflections.
“It sounded like he was marching with Martin and them…”
—Keke Palmer, Actress
This blend of tradition and personal significance illustrates how Palmer and Jackson aimed to honor their roots while giving Leodis a name with character and depth. The tale offers a glimpse at their family dynamics, underlining a sense of legacy amid the complexities of their relationship.
Career News Surrounding Keke Palmer
Beyond her family revelations, Palmer is also making headlines in the entertainment world. Sony Pictures has announced a sequel to the hit buddy comedy One of Them Days, which originally debuted in January and grossed over $50 million worldwide—a notable achievement for a mid-budget comedy. Palmer and SZA, who starred as Dreux and Alyssa—two Los Angeles roommates grappling with an unexpected crisis—are expected to return. The film’s production team includes Issa Rae, Sara Diya Rastogi, Deniese Davis, and Charles D. King, reinforcing the project’s creative pedigree.
The original story, developed through Sony’s initiative to uplift emerging screenwriters of color, resonated with audiences thanks to heartfelt storytelling and cultural relevance. With Lawrence Lamont directing and Syreeta Singleton penning the script, anticipation is building for what this new installment will bring.
Personal Life and Continuing Public Interest
In related coverage, Palmer has been candid about the ups and downs of her previous relationship with Darius Jackson. Recent discussions point to challenges and growth, providing additional context to her journey as both a mother and performer. Events like the Vanity Fair Oscar Party and the Academy Museum Gala have placed Palmer in the public eye, reinforcing her dual presence as a creative force and as someone navigating the complexities of fame, relationships, and parenthood.
The unique story behind Leodis’ name reflects Palmer and Jackson’s desire to express personal meaning through tradition, blending their identities while looking toward the future. The name serves not only as an homage to their own backgrounds, but also as a symbol of new beginnings for Palmer and her son.
