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Cameron Diaz | Source: Getty Images
Cameron Diaz | Source: Getty Images

Cameron Diaz’s Newborn’s Name Sparks Discussion: ’The Name Will Cause Him Problems at School'

Bettina Dizon
Mar 26, 2024
11:00 A.M.

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden's announcement of their second child, Cardinal, has sparked a fiery debate among fans and social media users over their choice of name. Some believe the name would cause trouble one day.

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Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz recently made headlines not for her roles on the silver screen but for a significant personal milestone. Alongside her husband, Benji Madden, she welcomed their second child into the world, sharing the joyous news with her fans via Instagram and revealing the unique name they had given him.

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While the post was flooded with congratulatory messages and well-wishes, it also attracted scrutiny and controversy. Social media users and fans alike dove into discussions, with opinions on the name Cardinal Madden varying widely.

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Cameron Diaz during an interview on "Late Night with Seth Meyers" - Season 1on December 10, 2014. | Source: Getty Images

Cameron Diaz during an interview on "Late Night with Seth Meyers" - Season 1on December 10, 2014. | Source: Getty Images

Among the comments, a noticeable number did not favor the chosen name. Some expressed concern, writing, "The name will cause him problems in school" and"Seriously !!! [sic] Some parents should be fined yearly for giving such terrible names to their kids. At school he'll be 'Birdy' or worse, poor kid. What's the name of her first, dare I ask???"

Cameron Diaz during an interview on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" - Season 11, October 25, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Cameron Diaz during an interview on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" - Season 11, October 25, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

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Critiques continued, with one user commenting, "I love Cardinals ,,, but don't think I would have my child …. Jms Oooh well, it is what it is… poor baby,, kids can be cruel [sic]." "Kids in Hollywood are used to odd names," another noted.

The sentiment was echoed by others, stating, "I'm sorry, but that poor kid has to deal with that name in school, and kids can be cruel" and "I don't know why parents do this. They do it to the poor children. They don't even think of the kids. They're only thinking of themselves… I'm sure he'll change the name."

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden during the NSYNC Challenge For The Children Celebrity Basketball Game at Office Depot Center in Sunrise, Florida on July 25, 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden during the NSYNC Challenge For The Children Celebrity Basketball Game at Office Depot Center in Sunrise, Florida on July 25, 2004. | Source: Getty Images

However, amidst the criticism, positive comments surfaced, including, "Congratulations lovely creative name," and "Congrats! Cardinal is a sweet name."

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As we previously reported on March 25th, Diaz and Madden made their baby's birth announcement and revealed their newborn's name, the meaning of which we divulged below.

Benji Madden and Cameron Diaz at the House of Harlow 1960 x Revolve event in Los Angeles, California on June 2, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

Benji Madden and Cameron Diaz at the House of Harlow 1960 x Revolve event in Los Angeles, California on June 2, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden have welcomed a new bundle of joy to their family. The couple shared their elation, stating, "We are blessed and excited to announce the birth of our son, Cardinal Madden❤️."

Benji Madden and Cameron Diaz during a basketball game between the Washington Wizards and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 27, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Benji Madden and Cameron Diaz during a basketball game between the Washington Wizards and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 27, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

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The announcement was accompanied by an artistic image that speaks volumes. The snapshot’s phrase "A little bird whispered to me" seems to be a creative nod to their son's unique name, 'Cardinal,' which refers to a vibrant red North American bird.

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden at LAX on August 31, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden at LAX on August 31, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

In an affectionate note to their fans, the parents expressed their contentment and assured fans of their son's charm: "He is awesome and we are all so happy he is here!" They emphasized their intention to protect their child's privacy, "For the kid's safety and privacy we won't be posting any pictures."

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Gratitude and love are the central themes of their message as they conclude with heartfelt thanks. "We are feeling so blessed and grateful," they said, reaching out to their community, "Sending much love from our fam to yours ✨ Best wishes and Good Afternoon!!"

Diaz is also a devoted and loving mother to her little daughter, Raddix, whom she shares with her doting spouse and musician. The couple have been married since 2015.

Benji Madden and Cameron Diaz at a Lakers game in Los Angeles, California on January 27, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

Benji Madden and Cameron Diaz at a Lakers game in Los Angeles, California on January 27, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

In 2019, the lovebirds became first-time parents when they welcomed Raddix on December 30. As parents who prefer to remain private where matters to do with their child are concerned, when Diaz and Madden announced Raddix's birth, they did not post a photo of her and explained that they did so to protect and prioritize their baby's privacy.

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In 2022, when asked what she enjoys most about motherhood, Diaz answered: "I think just being able to, you know, have influence on a child that's developing, you know? All mothers have that moment where you're watching your child, and they're doing something the first time, and you're like, 'I remember doing that!' It's really cool!"

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Motherhood appears to be a dream come true for Diaz. Far from following the narrative of being the exhausted first-time mother, the movie star confirmed that motherhood is the best experience she has embarked on.

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In November 2023, the doting mama bear was seen with her beau and their little girl in a rare family outing. The family enjoyed some time in Montecito and opted for casual wear.

Madden was seen rocking a black hoodie, baseball cap, and loosely fitted pants, while his wife opted for a slightly more chic-causal style with a black button-down shirt, black pants, glasses, green Birkenstocks, and a bag to the value of $1,490. Little Raddix wore a one-piece white outfit and Spiderman sneakers.

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Pictures from the day show moments where Diaz held onto her daughter, who was wrangling in her arms after having just kicked off one of her shoes. Reports also stated that Raddix appeared to be full of energy and was seen running around at one point.

Diaz and Madden are known for keeping their family life out of the public eye. However, a glimpse into their privacy surfaced when the birth certificate of their firstborn daughter became public. This document revealed her full name, Raddix Chloe Wildflower Madden, sparking speculation about her moniker.

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The choice of Raddix's middle name, "Wildflower," is thought to be a nod to Diaz's best friend, Drew Barrymore. Barrymore, who starred alongside Diaz in "Charlie's Angels," released a memoir titled "Wildflower" in 2015.

Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz during the premiere of "Charlie's Angel's 2 - Full Throttle" at Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, June 18, 2003. | Source: Getty Images

Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz during the premiere of "Charlie's Angel's 2 - Full Throttle" at Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, June 18, 2003. | Source: Getty Images

Their relationship is notably strong, with Barrymore considering Diaz like a sister. Interestingly, the "Bad Teacher" star was mentioned in Barrymore's book indicating their deep bond. While it is not confirmed, many speculate that "Wildflower" was chosen for Raddix's name as a tribute to this friendship.

Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz during Lucy Liu's Walk of Fame ceremony in Hollywood on May 1, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz during Lucy Liu's Walk of Fame ceremony in Hollywood on May 1, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

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The circumstances of Raddix's birth also attracted attention because of the document. Amid speculation that she was either adopted or born through a surrogate, the birth certificate suggested it was true.

The document featured a signature from a person described as having "power of attorney," a detail that hinted at the baby's arrival method. This person, whose name was withheld, signed the document on January 3, 2020.

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Despite embracing the joys and responsibilities of parenthood, Diaz and Madden ensure they find time for themselves. Shortly after announcing Cardinal's arrival, the two attended Rob Lowe's 60th birthday party in Santa Barbara, California.

The couple opted for a casual yet elegant attire. Madden was seen in a stylish black denim jacket paired with a black baseball cap, while Diaz complemented her husband's look with a chic black jacket over a top. She was also spotted holding flower branches.

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The event was a gathering of A-list stars, including Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, Gwyneth Paltrow and her husband Brad Falchuck, and Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi.

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden on December 3, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden on December 3, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden on December 3, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden on December 3, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

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Similarly, Diaz and Madden also went on a night out after Raddix's birth. They also attended Lowe's birthday party, with family and friends. The event seated Zoe Saldaña, Robert Downey Jr., Jennifer Aniston, Amy Poehler, and Kevin Costner, among others.

Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden are parents who balance family and social life. The two also prove that romance is a testament to the unpredictability of love and the beautiful outcomes that can arise from unexpected introductions, such as the time they first met.

Joel Madden, Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden attend NSYNC's Challenge for the Children VI Basketball Game on April 14, 2018 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Joel Madden, Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden attend NSYNC's Challenge for the Children VI Basketball Game on April 14, 2018 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Benji Madden and Cameron Diaz seen on April 14, 2018 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Benji Madden and Cameron Diaz seen on April 14, 2018 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

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The couple, introduced by Madden's twin brother, Joel, owe their love story to Nicole Richie, Joel's wife, who took it upon herself to play matchmaker. Richie's intuition and desire for those around her to be engulfed in love played a pivotal role in bringing Diaz and Madden together.

Cameron Diaz and Nicole Richie attend House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE on June 2, 2016 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Cameron Diaz and Nicole Richie attend House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE on June 2, 2016 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Their relationship quickly deepened, leading to a marriage in 2015, a chapter in Diaz's life that she had not foreseen, especially in her 40s. In a 2016 interview, the actress reflected on the significance of her marriage, revealing it as the most monumental event of that decade for her.

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She expressed her surprise and gratitude towards this unexpected turn in her life, attributing her openness to marriage to the unique connection she found with Madden, a man who respected and treated her as an equal.

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Their wedding, held at Diaz's Beverly Hills home in January 2015, was an intimate affair, celebrating their union in the comfort of their living room surrounded by close family and friends, followed by a quaint celebration in their backyard.

In their journey together, Diaz has consistently shared her perspective on family and the idea of having children. She has advocated for a natural approach to life, expressing that she feels no pressure to conform to societal norms regarding family planning. Today, she is a proud mother of two.

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