That’s right – nearly two weeks after we heard that Mark Wahlberg and Rhea Durham welcomed their newest family member, we’ve learned his name: Brendan Joseph.

We weren’t expecting anything outlandish from the couple, since they’ve kept it simple with their other two kids’ names: Ella Rae and Michael. No word on whether the name honors family.

Brendan’s been on the decline since 1999, coming in at #204 last year. Still, he remains an impeccable Irish heritage choice, thanks to Saint Brendan, one of the twelve apostles of Ireland. We find him more appealing than Brandon or Brayden/Braydon/Braiden and a bit more current than Brian. Joseph is, of course, about as classic as it gets.

Congratulations to the growing family!

About Abby Sandel

Whether you're naming a baby, or just all about names, you've come to the right place! Appellation Mountain is a haven for lovers of obscure gems and enduring classics alike.

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  1. It is refreshing, indeed! And nicely classic.

    As for Jason Lee, I dug up a few quotes about Pilot’s name:

    From an 8/22/08 post at Celebrity Baby Blog (https://www.celebrity-babies.com/2008/08/jason-lee-baby.html)

    In explaining his son’s name, Jason told Entertainment Weekly, [We listened to] Grandaddy’s album The Sophtware Slump. The opening track, ‘He’s Simple, He’s Dumb, He’s the Pilot,’ absolutely blew my mind when I first heard it. It was from this track that my wife, Beth, came up with the name Pilot for our son.

    And from a 10/6/06 interview with Rolling Stone, excerpt posted at Celebrity Baby Blog (https://www.celebrity-babies.com/2006/10/jason_lee_impat.html), Jason Lee is tired of people asking him about … son Pilot Inspektor’s name – and points out that hey, other names have odd meanings if you think about it as well! He says, “Somehow the name ‘Bob’ has become normal. Why ‘Bob?’ That’s something you do for apples on Halloween!”

    Together, it makes me think that a) since it was Jason’s ex who chose Pilot, there’s no guarantee this name will be wacky; b) Jason isn’t eager to share the name!

    IMHO, the most shocking thing would be for Jason & Ceren to name their daughter Anna. 😉

  2. I love when celebrities keep the choices classic and pretty! Brendan is great.

    Speaking of keeping names under wraps for long periods of time – did anyone reveal Jason Lee’s newest child’s name yet?

  3. Another thoroughly decent choice. Brendan doesn’t excite me but if it resonates with them, more power to them. Ella & Michael aren’t exactly my cup of tea either, too safe. But Brendan Joseph’s a lovely, simple choice. Quite refreshing in the Hollywood circut!