Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s Unique Name for Their Third Baby: A Bold Choice Rooted in Meaning

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, the power couple known for their boundary-pushing music, fashion, and cultural influence, have once again made headlines with their choice of a name for their third child, expected in 2025. Following the birth of their sons, RZA Athelston Mayers and Riot Rose Mayers, the couple has reportedly selected a name so distinctive that it is believed to be entirely unique in America. While speculation about the name “A$AP Joe” surfaced after A$AP Rocky’s not-guilty verdict in a 2021 gun assault case, recent reports suggest the couple has chosen a different, undisclosed name that continues their tradition of meaningful and unconventional monikers. This article explores the couple’s naming philosophy, the cultural and personal significance behind their choices, and why their third child’s name stands out as a singular choice in America.

A Tradition of Unique “R” Names

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have established a clear naming tradition for their family, favoring names that begin with the letter “R” and carry deep cultural or personal resonance. Their first son, born in May 2022, was named RZA Athelston Mayers, a tribute to the Wu-Tang Clan’s legendary producer and rapper RZA, whose real name is Robert Fitzgerald Diggs. The name also nods to Rocky’s middle name, Athelaston, and reflects the couple’s shared love for hip-hop history. RZA’s name, which translates to “Ruler, Knowledge-Wisdom-Understanding, Allah” in the Supreme Alphabet associated with the Five Percent Nation, carries layers of spiritual and cultural significance, though neither Rihanna nor Rocky has publicly tied themselves to the movement.

Their second son, born in August 2023, was named Riot Rose Mayers, a name that sparked intrigue and admiration. The name “Riot” is believed to reference A$AP Rocky’s 2023 song “Riot (Rowdy Pipe’n),” featuring Pharrell Williams, while “Rose” reflects the couple’s affinity for floral symbolism, particularly roses, which are a favorite of Rihanna’s. Sources told Entertainment Tonight that Rocky loves decorating with fresh flowers, and Rihanna’s 2023 Met Gala gown, adorned with white roses, hinted at the name before its official reveal. The name also cleverly aligns with the family’s “R” theme, as “Riot” starts with the first two letters of Rihanna’s name, and “Rose” mirrors the first two letters of Rocky’s.

This pattern of choosing names that are both personal and culturally significant has led fans to expect something equally bold for their third child. During a May 7, 2025, appearance on Late Night sanguíwith Seth Meyers, A$AP Rocky confirmed that the new baby’s name would “for sure” start with an “R,” continuing the family tradition. However, he kept the full name under wraps, fueling speculation about its uniqueness.

The “A$AP Joe” Speculation and a New Direction

Following A$AP Rocky’s not-guilty verdict in February 2025, his attorney, Joe Tacopina, shared a lighthearted anecdote with Extra, claiming that Rihanna and Rocky told him in the courtroom, “Listen, our next baby is A$AP Joe,” in gratitude for his role in securing the rapper’s acquittal. Tacopina added, “I’m going to hold you to that,” suggesting the couple’s playful promise. The comment went viral, with posts on X amplifying the idea that “A$AP Joe” could be the name of their third child. One user wrote, “A$AP Rocky & Rihanna said they’re naming their next baby after Rocky’s lawyer, ‘A$AP Joe’ 😭🔥,” reflecting the mix of amusement and excitement among fans.

However, subsequent reports and Rocky’s guarded comments on Late Night with Seth Meyers indicate that “A$AP Joe” was likely a jest or a misdistance. Sources close to the couple, cited by Newsweek, suggest that Rihanna and Rocky have settled on a different name, one that is not only unique but also unprecedented in American naming records. While the exact name remains undisclosed, insiders hint that it aligns with the couple’s penchant for names that blend cultural references, personal significance, and a touch of rebellion against conventional naming norms.

Why the Name Is Unique in America

The claim that Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s chosen name for their third child is one “no one in America has” is bold but plausible, given their track record and the resources available for verifying name uniqueness. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a comprehensive database of baby names, tracking those given to at least five children annually to protect privacy. Names given to fewer than five children are not publicly reported, making it possible for Rihanna and Rocky to select a name that is statistically unique or entirely invented. For context, their son RZA’s name, while rare, is not entirely unique, as it has been used sparingly in the U.S., inspired by the Wu-Tang Clan leader. “Riot,” however, is far less common, and “Riot Rose” as a combination is likely one-of-a-kind.

The couple’s choice to create or select a name unused in America could stem from several motivations. First, their status as cultural innovators drives them to set trends rather than follow them. Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, and Rocky, born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, both have names rooted in distinct cultural contexts—Rihanna’s reflecting her Barbadian heritage and Rocky’s honoring hip-hop legend Rakim. Their children’s names extend this legacy, blending heritage, creativity, and individuality. Second, the couple has expressed a desire to protect their children’s privacy and identity. Rihanna told British Vogue in 2023, “Throw me to the wolves. Do what you want with me. But he doesn’t have a say in any of this,” emphasizing her commitment to shielding her sons from public scrutiny. A unique name could serve as a protective measure, ensuring their child stands apart in a digital age where names are easily searchable.

Cultural and Personal Significance

The significance of Rihanna and Rocky’s naming choices lies in their ability to weave personal, cultural, and artistic threads into a single moniker. For their third child, the name is expected to reflect their shared values—love for music, pride in their roots, and a defiance of societal norms. Rihanna has spoken about wanting her children to feel connected to their heritage, particularly through practices like braiding their hair, which she described to Vogue China in 2024 as “a form of protection by our ancestors… it makes us realize where we’ve come from.” The new name may incorporate elements of their Barbadian and African-American backgrounds or pay homage to another musical or cultural figure, much like RZA’s name did.

Fans on X have speculated that the name could draw inspiration from hip-hop, fashion, or even a lesser-known cultural reference. One user suggested, “If it’s an ‘R’ name and no one in America has it, maybe it’s something like ‘Rakimallah’ or a coined name from their heritage.” Another wrote, “Rihanna and Rocky always pick names with meaning—bet it’s something deep we haven’t thought of.” These reactions highlight the anticipation surrounding the reveal and the couple’s reputation for thoughtful choices.

The Broader Impact

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s naming decisions have a ripple effect, influencing naming trends and sparking conversations about individuality and cultural pride. After RZA’s name was revealed in 2023, posts on X noted a surge in interest in Wu-Tang-inspired names, with one user joking, “RZA about to be the new Noah thanks to Rihanna.” Similarly, “Riot” has been praised as “a designer brand in the making,” with fans envisioning it as a future fashion or music alias.

The couple’s choice of a unique name for their third child reinforces their role as trendsetters. By selecting a name unused in America, they challenge conventional naming practices and encourage others to embrace creativity and authenticity. This aligns with Rihanna’s broader ethos, evident in her Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty brands, which celebrate diversity and individuality.

Looking Ahead

As Rihanna and A$AP Rocky prepare to welcome their third child, the world awaits the official reveal of the name that promises to be as groundbreaking as their previous choices. Whether it draws from music, heritage, or pure invention, the name will undoubtedly reflect the couple’s love for each other and their children. Rihanna’s radiant debut of her baby bump at the 2025 Met Gala and Rocky’s joyful confirmation of the pregnancy underscored their excitement, with Rocky telling reporters, “It’s a blessing… we’ve been seeing love for the most part.”

The unique name, when revealed, will likely spark a new wave of admiration and debate, further cementing Rihanna and Rocky’s influence. For now, their decision to keep the name private only heightens the anticipation, proving once again that when it comes to Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, every choice is a statement.