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Pot Calling The Kettle? Bob Geldof Hates Grandson’s Name

"Astala" Vista Bob - you have only yourself to blame grandpa!
Celebs are renowned for naming their offspring weird and whacky names and these days we are somewhat dissappointed if they opt for something ordinary like Tom, instead of Zephyr-Silver! Among the off-spring of celebs to have been given rather zany names are of course the Geldof girls – Peaches, Fifi-Trixibelle and Pixie. Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily Hutchence-Geldof was Yates’ daughter with Michael Hutchence – another certainly original name.

It brought a smile to many (including me – I’ll upload a scan of an article I did on celeb baby names asap here) therefore, that new grandpa Bob has hit out at the name of his new-born baby grandson – Astala. In classic showbiz style, his daughter Peaches and boyfriend have given their pride and joy the sort of name that will certainly raise an eye-brow or two once the little’n gets to school and Bob agrees. He thinks the name is a “girl’s name” and little Astala may get bullied and called Ass or Stella! Astala Vista Bob!

Well, talk about pot and kettles eh. Bob and his late wife, the wonderful Paula Yates, are probably among the most famous UK parents to have given their children unique and unusual names. It is practically a tradition now for stars to give their children unforgettable and often bizarre names.

The trend for zany celeb baby names goes right back to the 70s and I hazard a guess that flower power era followed by the 70s glam-rock culture certainly influenced that generation of stars children’s names. Think Frank Zappa and his kids names: Moon Unit, Diva Thin Muffin, Dweezil and Ahmet.

David Bowie’s son Zowie saw the light and changed his name to Duncan – not a cool name but at least he didn’t have to hide whenever his name was read out loud.

You called me what daddy?"
When I worked at OK! magazine several years ago, our big talking point regarding celeb baby names was always ‘The Beckhams’. They’ve never let us down with their choices – from Brooklyn (where their firstborn was conceived – classy), Romeo (ahem), Cruz (v L.A. and mean ‘cross’ – after supposedly David’s famous tattoo and dear friend Tom Cruise) – and most recently, Harper Seven (seven being David’s cherished football team number).

It does not surprise me in the least that Peaches Geldof went for something zany. Rock n pop stars, actors and celebs in general are often maverick personalities and very creative and naturally that will often extend to the names their give their babies. It is all about ego – their children are an extension of themselves, so something ordinary and plain just won’t do.

On saying that, there is a growing trend too for a return to classic, old-fashioned names among some celebs – totally going against the bizarre baby name tradition. We are now seeing lots of Enids, Florences and Alices…Think Sarah Jessic Parker and her daughter Marion or Reese Witherspoon’s daughter Ava. Faith – Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s choice for their daughter born last year, has a timeless quality, perhaps the trend will continue? Even Beyonce – she with one of the most unusual names in celeb-land has named her daughter Ivy – albeit with the addition of “Blue” – an almost perfect combo of classic meets whacky. With a daddy called Jay-Z that’s relatively easy to live with.

Check out this link to a list of some of the weirdest and most wonderful celeb baby names here.