Alexa and Carlos PenaVega Are Having a Boy + His Unique Name Is Truly Special

Just when you think you’ve heard them all, along comes another creative celebrity baby name to keep you on your toes!

Last week saw Terrence Howard and Holly Madison duking it out for best unique name with their respective choices for newborns of “Hero” and “Forest,” and now, Spy Kids actress Alexa PenaVega and husband Carlos, who let the pregnancy cat out of the bag back in June, are throwing their hats into the ring with a big gender and baby name reveal.

Posting her sonogram to Insta just a few hours prior, Alexa writes, “Ocean King PenaVega. We can’t wait to meet this little blessing.”

While the unique first name could TOTALLY be gender neutral, she made sure to leave no doubts about her baby’s gender when she included the hashtag “#BabyPenaVega #Mylilman,” also adding, “Yes…that’s his name for those who are confused.”

Kinddddd of makes sense when you consider that the mommy-to-be DID debut her baby bump on a boat!

Carlos also shared the sonogram on his page, adding his own hashtag of #daddyslittleboy.”

Awwww, how sweet!

Congratulations, guys — we can’t wait to meet Ocean!

Are you a fan of Alexa and Carlos’s unique name choice? Share with us @BritandCo!

(h/t E!, photos via Araya Diaz/Getty)

Even with that extra day in February thanks to Leap Year, it feels crazy that March is already here! Especially if you’re a mama or papa-to-be and nearing your March due date. Still stuck on which name to choose? Fortunately, March is full of holidays and symbols to help inspire some creative, seasonal baby names. We got the ball rolling, drawing inspiration from St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, the first day of spring and even more offbeat choices like March Madness and World Poetry Day!

March Baby Name Ideas For 2024

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Not only do these March baby names have some beautiful meanings (plus they honestly just sound super cool), but the best part is that a lot of them are gender-neutral! Plus, Blake Lively's kids prove you can rock any name you want, even if it's a little unconventional at the time. Keep reading for the ultimate springtime baby names.

March Baby Names for Boys

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  • Devin: If your baby boy makes an appearance around March 21, give him this Irish name meaning “poet” in honor of World Poetry Day.
  • Diaz: With Daylight Saving Time just around the corner, longer, brighter days are as well. Celebrate their return with this Spanish last-name-as-a-first-name.
  • Hooper: If you’re feeling a touch of March Madness coming on, this hoops-inspired name is a unique option that’s still not too out of the ordinary (its cousin Cooper is plenty popular, after all).
  • Leo: We were going to suggest this name due to the old March “in like a lion, out like a lamb” idiom, but let’s face it — now we’re just suggesting it because of Leo DiCaprio.
  • Marius: The month of March is named for Mars, God of War, but if you want to dub your boy with a less planetary-sounding name, try this Latin alternative.

Image via Oleksandr P/Pexels

  • Palmer: This is a great last-name-as-a-first-name for Palm Sunday babies, and it won’t be out of place in the classroom at all with all the Parkers, Archers, and Sawyers out there.
  • Pascal: Pascal is simply the French word for Easter, but it's also a great reference to our favorite new Fantastic Four hero, Pedro Pascal. You can vary the spelling by going Spanish (Pasqual) or Cornish (Pascoe).
  • Patrick: Everyone’s favorite Irish celebration falls on March 17. Need we say more?
  • Rainn: March is always unpredictable when it comes to the weather, so if it ends up being a wet month, this is one way to put a positive spin on the rain. (This spelling is borrowed from The Office’s Rainn Wilson.)
  • Samson­­: And if you get lucky and have a sunshiny March instead? This Biblical name means “sun.”

March Baby Names for Girls

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  • Ava: Spring is all about rebirth and new life, and so is this lovely name.
  • Blossom: Not gonna lie, this is a tough name to pull off if your aesthetic isn’t floppy hats and appliqué flowers. But if Mayim Bialik can move past her ‘90s TV show days, so can the name Blossom, which is perfectly suited for springtime babies.
  • Chloe: This Top 100 staple for girls is a great choice for your little lady, as it has the spring season written all over it — it means “young, green shoot.”
  • Clover: Looking for a botanic-inspired name for a baby born in March? This four-leafed St. Patrick’s Day symbol is ideal, not to mention very lucky!
  • Edda: Pronounced similarly to Etta, this is a Norse name meaning “poetry.”

Image via Pixabay/Pexels

  • Marina: March’s birthstone is the aquamarine, and while it’s a totally gorgeous gem, it’s a little on the nose for a girl’s name. Try this aquatic alternative.
  • Narcissa: Daffodils are a telltale first sign of spring, but the name may be a little too… daffy for a girl to grow up with. Consider the flower’s other name, narcissus (although Harry Potterfans may find it hard to disassociate from a certain Malfoy).
  • Poesy: If the pronunciation of this name is a little tricky (it has three syllables, just like its meaning, poetry), you can always opt for the flowery name Posey instead, which would also be perfect for spring.
  • Robin: Even if March is still snowy in your neck of the woods, you always know spring is coming by the appearance of these red-breasted birds.
  • Soleil: March is the light at the end of the dark, wintry tunnel, which is why this “sunny” French name is a bright name for your baby.

What March baby names will you be choosing this year? Tweet us your springtime favorites @BritandCo!

Lead image viaSingkham/Pexels.

This post has been updated.

I can totally understand falling for a costar. One scene gazing into each other's eyes, and (as the kids say), I'd be asking, "What are we?" Zendaya & Tom Holland and Ashley Park & Paul Forman both met on the sets of their most famous projects (Spider-Man and Emily in Paris, in case you were wondering), and this year's biggest movie event also features a brand new celebrity couple: Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater.

The co-stars made headlines when they ended their respective marriages and started dating each other, and Ethan Slater finally spoke out on the response to their relationship. Here's what he had to say, and the latest news on this couple.

  • Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater met on the set of Wicked, in theaters November 22.
  • The couple made headlines when they started dating the same month they separated from their respective spouses.
  • In a recent interview, Ethan Slater reveals the reaction to their relationship was "really hard."

Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater's Full Relationship Timeline

Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon

Late 2022 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Meet While Filming Wicked

After Ariana and Ethan were both cast in Jon M. Chu's Wicked, the movie began filming in early December. Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda, while Ethan Slater got the role of Boq, one of Glinda's Shiz University classmates.

March 27, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Were "All Over Each Other"

Ariana and Ethan reportedly could get enough of each other at Michelle Yeoh's Oscars party. A source told The Daily Mail later that summer that "They were seen making out at a pub in Hampstead, and they were all over each other at Michelle Yeoh's Oscar party."

Aliah Anderson/Getty Images

July 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Split From Their Partners And Start Dating

News of Ariana's split from her then-husband Dalton Gomez broke on July 17, while TMZ also reported Ethan filed for divorce from his wife at the time, Lilly Jay, on July 26. (Ariana and Dalton ended up filing for divorce in September).

After People reported Ariana and Ethan were now in a relationship of their own, Lilly told Page Six that “[Ariana’s] the story, really. Not a girl’s girl. My family is just collateral damage.” However, other sources claim Lilly and Ethan had been separated for a couple months before his relationship with Ariana started.

August 2, 2023 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Are Moving Fast

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater reportedly fell head over heels so quickly, their friends were telling them to pump the breaks. “Ariana’s been told it’s too soon to go public with him and to take things slower,” said an Us Weekly insider at the time. “She’s very aware of how she’s perceived by her fans, and she’s trying to be mature. [But] if it were up to her, she’d be seen with him tomorrow.”

Elsa/Getty Images

September 4, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Are Learning How To Balance Their Relationship

Sources told People at the beginning of September that the costars and couple are trying to figure out how to balance their relationship with their celebrity.

“While this entire situation has been blown out of proportion, it’s much different than what has been portrayed in public,” a friend of the couple says. “They are just trying to navigate their new relationship in private."

Another reemphasizes that Ariana and Ethan only started dating after they were separated from their spouses, while a third adds, “They are doing their best to balance the fact that they are in the public eye with the desire to be respectful to all parties involved.”

September 2023 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Go To Disney World

Surrounded by their friends and family, the Wicked movie stars headed for a day at the happiest place on earth. "They went with a big group of friends as well her mom and brother," a source told People. The source also said they're "really happy and really good for each other. All of her friends love him."

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

October 31, 2023 — Ariana Grande Supports Ethan Slater's Spamalot

Ariana Grande showed up to support her boyfriend for Spamalot's opening night at Broadway's St. James Theater.

December 23, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Grab Dinner In New York City

To celebrate the holidays, Ariana and Ethan headed out to a nice Italian dinner, reportedly with Ari's dad Ed Butera. "They love to support each other in their work," a source told People. "When she’s done with work, Ariana loves going to the theater when she can."

Considering she's a musical girlie, and has been on Broadway herself, I totally believe Ariana heads to the theatre whenever she gets a chance!

December 28, 2023 — Ariana Grande Says She Feels "Deeply Misunderstood"

“I’ve never felt more at the mercy of and in acceptance of what life was screaming to teach me,” Ariana Grande said in an Instagram story. “I have never felt more pride or joy or love while simultaneously feeling so deeply misunderstood by people who don’t know me, who piece whispers together and make what they want out of me and their assumptions of my life.”

A source also told People that the popstar is “serious with Ethan. She loves being with him."

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

January 12, 2024 — Ariana Grande Releases "Yes, And?"

In a line heard 'round the world, Ariana Grande's "Yes, And?" (the lead single from her Eternal Sunshine album) begs the question, "Why do you care so much whose d—k I ride?" The song doesn't mention Ethan by name, but there's a lot of room to infer.Although, when the album releases in March, Ariana also talks about a new "interaction" on “Intro (End of the World)," and wonders "if he’s judgin’ me like I am right now."

September 30, 2024 — Ariana Grande Defends Ethan Slater

In a Vanity Fair cover story, Ariana opened up about the reaction to her relationship with Ethan Slater, revealing that “the most disappointing part was to see so many people believe the worst version of [the story]."

“There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him,” she says. “No one on this earth tries harder or spreads themselves thinner to be there for the people that he loves and cares about. There is no one on this earth with a better heart...I’m 31 years old and I’m not a perfect person, but I am definitely deeply good, and I’m proud of who I’m becoming. I will never let disreputable evil tabloids ruin my life or my perception of what is real and good.”

Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Lucille Lortel Theatre

October 30, 2024 — Ethan Slater Finally Speaks Out About His Relationship With Ariana Grande

Almost two years after meeting Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater finally opened up about their relationship in a new interview with GQ. “Obviously, it was a really super big year and I think there was something that was really difficult about things in your private life being commented on and looked at by the public," he says. "There were a lot of big changes in private lives that were really happening, so it’s really hard to see people who don’t know anything about what’s happening commenting on it and speculating, and then getting things wrong about the people you love. So just to address that part of it, that feels really hard."

But the clouds also came with silver linings. “Of course, it was an amazing year and a really beautiful thing, and I’m just really excited," he continues. "I’m just really, really proud of Ari and the work she’s done on this. She’s poured herself into it. I’m really proud that I got to be there for that part of it, and I’m really excited to be there for this next step of it when the world gets to see the amazing thing that she did.”

Check back here for the latest news on this Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater's relationship! Read up on Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce while you're at it ;).

2024 is flying by. It feels like just yesterday you were setting your New Year’s resolutions (which probably included deciding on the perfect baby name), and now your February due date is here! Here are 16 boys’ and girls’ names that have ties to all of our favorite things about the month of February, including Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, horoscope signs and leap year. Scroll on for charming, creative baby names befitting a kiddo born this month.

The Best Girls' Names For February Babies in 2024

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1. Amethyst: The pretty purple gem is also a lovely name for a girl, who could go by Amy for short. It’s a perfect February pick for two reasons: It’s the February birthstone, and the name Amy means “beloved.”

2. February: Practically every other month has been turned into a first name, so give this one a chance. We all thought January was pretty crazy before Ms. Jones hit the scene, didn’t we? As Nameberry points out, cute nicknames include Airy and Rue.

3. Primrose: Calling all Hunger Games fans: Katniss’s brave little sister is one of the few characters whose name was originally from our time. The primrose is one of February’s birth flowers.

4. Rosa: As we all know, a Rose by any other name would smell just as sweet, so put a spin on the Valentine’s Day flower with a slight variation on the traditional name. Or take it further: Rosalie, Rosemary, Rosetta…

Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash

5. Sadie: In some Irish and British traditions, women propose to men on a leap year day. Sound familiar? Here in the States, we have a similar role-swapping custom known as the Sadie Hawkins Dance, making Sadie a perfect first name for a little leap lady.

6. Tallulah: Speaking of leap day, the name Tallulah means “leaping water.” It’s also come a long way from being Bruce Willis and Demi Moore’s unusual choice for their daughter — it became one of the hottest names of the last decade!

7. Valentina: If your bundle of love arrives on Valentine’s Day, you simply can’t go wrong with this gorgeous Latin moniker, used in languages as different as Italian, Spanish and Russian.

8. Violet: February’s other birth flower, in addition to primrose, is the violet. Purple lovers are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a name for their little ones.

The Best Boys' Names For February Babies

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1. Abe: With Presidents’ Day in the middle of February, it’s a good time to give a nod to one of our greatest leaders, President Lincoln.

2. Ash: In some Celtic traditions, the ash is one of the symbolic trees of February, representing creativity, free thinking and inspiration.

3. Aziz: Popularized by Parks and Recreation goofball, Modern Romance author and Master of None Netflix creator, Aziz Ansari, Aziz in Arabic means “powerful and beloved.”

4. Julian: Before the current Gregorian calendar, there was the Julian calendar, developed by Julius Caesar. You can thank him for adding the leap day to the calendar by giving your February leap year baby this very appropriate name.

Photo by Colin Maynard on Unsplash

5. Lev/Liev: Heart-shaped chocolates, heart-shaped cookies, heart-shaped candies… There’s no doubt that hearts are instantly associated with the lovey-dovey month of February. That’s just what this Hebrew (and its Yiddish counterpart) mean.

6. Quinn: This Irish name, meaning “chief leader” and “intelligence,” is a good pick.

7. Ren: The zodiacs for February are both water-related (Aquarius and Pisces), so an aquatic name like Ren, meaning “water lily, lotus” is a fitting choice. Bonus points: Star Wars fans can give a little shoutout to Kylo Ren ;)

8. Rowan: Like the name Ash, the rowan is another symbolic tree of February. It’s also suited to ginger babies, as it means “little redhead.”

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

What other February names come to mind for you? Share your favorites with as @BritandCo! This post has been updated.

We love our families, we really do, but one of the best parts of growing up is getting to make yourself a new friend-family to celebrate with, whether it's your college buddies or the group you do happy hour with after work. Think Galentines Day and, our more timely fave, Friendsgiving. Whether you're looking forward to Turkey Day at your in-laws' or not, you can always count on your squad for a killer festive time, especially with these 19 Friendsgiving ideas.

Share The Wealth

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One of the most stressful things about big holiday dinners is the pressure to host the whole thing, from prep to table. You need production calendars, ideally a second oven, and three extra sets of hands. Not so with Friendsgiving! You roast the bird and let your buds bring the rest, potluck-style. Then, let them go around the table and present their dish. Make them really sell it and brag about their sweet cooking skills.

Game of Football or Soccer

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If you want to take inspiration from an episode of Friends, a game of football or soccer is always a good idea. Just don't let things get *too* competitive!

Go For a Walk

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Nothing makes you feel better after a heavy meal than going for a walk. Whether it be a beach, a park, or just around the neighborhood, grab your friends and walk and talk.

Caravan Draw Together Thanksgiving Set

Brit + Co

Print out an epic tablecloth that you can color in, or just put butcher paper, crayons, and paints on the table and let your friends go to town decorating. We bet they wouldn’t even be opposed to making turkeys with their handprints.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

IMDB

Age is just a number, and the Peanuts gang will live in our hearts forever. Watch the movie on the big screen with all your friend and reminisce about Thanksgivings from your younger days.

Macy's Parade Drinking Game

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When it comes to the Macy’s parade, some things are a given: There will be a marching band from the Midwest, there will be floats, and there will likely be some country star wearing a cowboy hat. Lay out the rules, and then get ready to do some pre-dinner drinking. If you want to save that valuable stomach real estate for food, make it a workout game rather than a drinking game. Think jumping jacks, burpees, and plank (while you’re doing that, we’ll be in the corner, thank you very much).

Card Games

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If you’re too full to swing a stick around, board games or card games are always a safe bet. Maybe playing Cards Against Humanity might seem slightly wrong on this most thankful of days, but we do promise that it will be fun. You can even get in the spirit of the upcoming season by adding in the Holiday Pack.

Potluck Dessert

Ron Lach

Invite each guest to bring a family favorite, provide toppings (hello, whipped cream), and dig in.

Booze Tasting

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If you consider yourself a connoisseur of a certain elixir, there’s no better time to show off than the holidays. Pick the perf wine to go with your turkey, showcase the beer you’ve been brewing, or tell the crew a thing or two about whiskey.

Gratitude List

Unlike birthday wishes, you can totally tell people what you’re thankful for. In fact, sharing in your gratitude on a group list is a great way to discover what else you may be grateful for.

To-Go Pie

ROMAN ODINTSOV

Have your guests help assemble the containers so that at the end of the night everyone gets to bring a slice or two (or three) home.

Thanksgiving Bingo

This fun printable is a great place to start, but if your squad has their own particularities, you may want to create your own. Suzie gets sloshed on rosé? Check. Tom quotes Charlie Brown? Check.

Giant Dominos

Alena Darmel

Set up lawn games.You can easily play an outdoor version of dominoes while sipping a cocktail in your Turkey Day best, or just watch everyone else run around the yard.

Appetizers

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You don’t need to wait until the afternoon to celebrate Turkey Day. Starting the festivities with some out of the ordinary thanksgiving treats before you all head to your dinners is a great way to say you’re thankful for each other.

Photo Area

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Instead of one big awkward photo, you can take all the cute photos you want in a designated photo area. DIY an ombre leaf wall and bring in some fun props like a turkey leg, wishbones, and more!

Have dessert outside

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While having your entire Thanksgiving feast probably isn't feasible, take some of the fun outside when it comes to dessert! This allows you to get some fresh air, put on your cutest chunky sweater, and enjoy the fall weather.

Decorate Cookies

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This activity is fun and tasty! What could be better than that? Play some music, light some fall-scented candles, and watch everyone have a blast.

Gossip Girl Thanksgiving Episode Marathon

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Arguably the best Thanksgiving episodes come from Gossip Girl! Queue them all up and sit back and watch all the drama unfold.

Make Hot Chocolate

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Nothing is cozier than hot chocolate! Put on a holiday movie, distribute hot chocolate, and have a great time.

If you need ideas for your menu, check out our easy and affordable Friendsgiving recipes!

This post has been updated.

Friendsgiving season is coming folks! And if you have one on the books, but have no idea what to cook, we have you covered. From deliciously cheesy veggies to a healthy take on everyone's favorite spuds, we're rounding-up easy recipes to make that won't weigh heavy on your pocketbook. Take a look through to see the yummy ensembles you should be whipping up!

Brit + Co

Drop Biscuits

Because everyone needs a carb to soup all those juicy drippings on your plate. This 'The Final Table' winning recipe does the job.

Brit + Co

Smashed Brussel Sprouts

Not crazy about veggies? These greens will change your mind. Topped with cheese, chives, and a nice crisp topping, they're extra yummy (and keto-friendly!)

Brit + Co

Cacio e Pepe Chickpeas

Sure this one is a bit non-traditional, but your vegetarian friends will love it. Plus they make the perfect topping to nearly any dish (who needs croutons when you have these anyways?!).

Brit + Co

Roasted Broccoli

Puts some greens on your plate with this holy-grail recipe. Trust us: It's sooo easy!

Brit + Co

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Polenta

Dust off the ole' Instant Pot will this delectable fall polenta. Filled with butternut squash and lots of parmesan you (and your besties!) will quickly fall in *love*.

Brit + Co

Roasted Sweet Potato

Just when you thought you knew how to roast sweet potatoes, this recipe came along. And boy are we taking notes!

Brit + Co

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine

Be the friend that brings the booze. This autumn-themed mulled wine drink will warm everyone's spirits.

Brit + Co

Fall Quinoa Salad

If you're designated salad duty, take a twist on it by packing it full-on quinia, pomegranate, and a tangy dressing. Yum!

Brit + Co

Cheesy Pasta Bake

When the temperatures drop, your friends will be extra thankful for this soul-warming, cheesy pasta.

Brit + Co

Spinach + Mushroom Gnocchi Casserole

No time? No worries! This freezer-friendly pasta bake complete with pillowy gnocchi, creamy mushrooms and spinach is super easy to create ahead of time, without taking away from any day-of deliciousness.

Brit + Co

Cheddar, Jalapeno, and Chive Biscuits

Upgrade your biscuits with "addicting" flavors of cheddar, chives, and jalapeños. Pro tip: Double the batch to ensure you have more than one for everyone!

Brit + Co

Keto Cheese Ball

Your hostess will thank you extra for showing up with an app to tide guests over until the main meal is served. Packed with yummy baked potato fixings, it's got an extra "kick" to make it comparable to store bought options. Plus it's keto-friendly... you can't go wrong with that!

Brit + Co

Cheesy Keto Asparagus

Keep the keto ideas coming, am I right?! Make this popular Pinterest vegetable dish loaded with garlic and extra cheese. Yes please!

Brit + Co

Yogurt Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Pack a 'lil extra protein into your mashed spuds (with the bonus of making them extra creamy!). Who knew yogurt would soon become your go-to secret ingredient?

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Spice Toffee

And let's not forget about the sweets! Make a batch of this pumpkin spice-flavored treat as a great take-home option for overstuffed guests! (Just be sure to save some extra for yourself!)

Follow us on Pinterest for more tasty Thanksgiving recipes!

This post has been updated.