Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in September 2022.
Hilaria Baldwin, wife of actor Alec Baldwin, recently celebrated the arrival of their seventh child. However, the joy has been clouded by controversy—not only over the unique name chosen for their newborn but also due to renewed scrutiny of Hilaria’s claims about her Spanish heritage, which many have previously called into question.
Back in 2020, it emerged that Hilaria Baldwin—long believed to be Spanish—was actually from Boston. This revelation fueled doubts about her authenticity, especially after moments like her on-air slip, where she claimed to forget the English word for “cucumber.” Adding more fuel to the fire, it was revealed she once went by the name Hilary.
Now, as the Baldwins welcome their seventh child, they’ve sparked a fresh wave of controversy over the baby’s name: Ilaria Catalina Irena. Social media quickly erupted with criticism, with many questioning the choice and stirring debate once again.
On Twitter, backlash was swift and sharp. One user slammed what they called a “fake Spanish name from a Boston-born mom,” while another pointed out the curious absence of any American names—even in the middle spots—among the Baldwin children. Critics didn’t stop at the baby’s name; many took aim at Hilaria’s ongoing embrace of a Spanish identity, questioning the couple’s true motivations and suggesting that fame might have clouded their judgment.
Adding fuel to the fire, one witty commentator even joked that Hilaria should change her name to “Hilarious,” highlighting the irony many see in her efforts to live out a Spanish persona.
In December 2020, Hilaria Baldwin spoke out in a New York Times interview to address the swirling accusations about her Spanish heritage. She explained that the infamous cucumber moment was simply nerves during an early live TV appearance—a minor slip-up blown out of proportion. Hilaria also took responsibility for a misleading detail in her management agency’s online bio, which incorrectly listed her birthplace as Mallorca.
As for changing her name from Hilary to Hilaria, she explained it reflects what her Spanish family affectionately calls her. Though born in Boston, Hilaria stressed she’s been transparent about her background—sharing that she grew up between Boston and Spain and that much of her family still lives in Spain today.
This latest controversy has reignited the debate over Hilaria Baldwin’s cultural identity and authenticity. The backlash over the baby’s name adds a fresh chapter to an already complex narrative, leaving the public divided—some see the Baldwins’ choices as a heartfelt celebration of heritage, while others view it as cultural appropriation. As Hilaria faces renewed scrutiny, the conversation deepens around the delicate balance between fame, identity, and how public figures are perceived in today’s spotlight.