Jay-Z Opens Up About Considering a Different Name for Daughter Blue Ivy

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Blue Ivy, the first-born of Jay-Z and Beyoncé, possesses a name that stands out among the annals of famous progeny. However, her parents contemplated an alternate moniker for their beloved daughter.

In a recent interview with Gayle King, Jay-Z disclosed that his initial plan was to name his daughter Blue as a tribute to his beloved hometown, New York City. The 53-year-old rapper explained during a segment on CBS Mornings, released on October 27, that they intended to call her Brooklyn. However, during prenatal checkups, they began referring to her as Blueberry, as it felt like a fitting and endearing nickname that came naturally.

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Over time, the nickname began to feel increasingly authentic, leading Jay-Z and Beyoncé, aged 42, to officially adopt it. "We simply removed the 'berry' and named her Blue," he clarified.

Jay-Z, whose birth name is Shawn Carter, tied the knot with Beyoncé in April 2008. In January 2012, the couple welcomed their first child, Blue, who is now 11 years old. Subsequently, in June 2017, they joyfully welcomed twins, Rumi and Sir, aged 6.

Before Blue's arrival, Beyoncé experienced a miscarriage, which she openly discussed in the 2013 documentary Life Is But a Dream. In the film, she recounted her first pregnancy around two years ago, expressing her joy upon hearing the baby's heartbeat, which she considered the most beautiful music she had ever heard. Unfortunately, during the early stages of the pregnancy, her doctor discovered that the baby no longer had a heartbeat. Beyoncé recalled that just a week before her doctor's visit, everything seemed fine. Following this devastating loss, she sought solace by composing what she described as the saddest song she had ever written in her life.

Blue Ive Carter and Beyoncé perform onstage during the Renaissance World Tour. Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood

In a subsequent interview in 2019, Beyoncé hinted that she experienced multiple pregnancy losses, leading her to search for deeper meaning in life. She shared this insight during an interview with Elle, stating that success now holds a different meaning for her. Beyoncé learned that pain and loss can be seen as gifts and that she needed to nurture herself before becoming a mother to someone else.

Although Beyoncé and Jay-Z have generally kept Rumi and Sir out of the public eye, their daughter Blue has recently gained recognition for her own talents. During select dates of her mom’s Renaissance World Tour this past summer, Blue showcased her dancing abilities and became a star in her own right.

Jay-Z revealed that it was Blue's own initiative to perform on the tour. However, she did not receive any special treatment for being Beyoncé's daughter. "On the first night, she expressed her desire to perform, and we agreed but set some conditions," Jay-Z disclosed to King. "We made it clear that if she wanted to participate, she had to put in the effort and rehearse with the dancers diligently." He further mentioned, "She worked tirelessly every day, and we closely observed her dedication."