Alec Baldwin and his wife Hilaria are once again at the center of public attention, this time due to the name of their seventh child, which has sparked widespread debate and renewed controversy surrounding Hilaria’s cultural identity. While the couple celebrated the joyful arrival of their baby girl, named Ilaria Catalina Irena, the moment was quickly clouded by criticism across social media and beyond.
Much of the backlash stems from a resurfacing of past controversies about Hilaria’s heritage. Although she has long embraced a Spanish identity, it was revealed in 2020 that she was born and raised in Boston under the name Hilary. Her accent, cultural references, and even a viral moment where she struggled to recall the English word “cucumber” during a television appearance fueled skepticism about the authenticity of her Spanish persona.
The choice of their daughter’s name — which many see as distinctly Spanish or European — reignited accusations of cultural appropriation. Detractors online questioned why none of the Baldwins’ children have traditionally American names, especially given Hilaria’s U.S. roots. One social media user sarcastically referred to “a fake Spanish name from a Boston-born mom,” while others suggested that the couple, particularly Hilaria, are crafting an identity that feels more performative than personal.
Some critics went further, mocking the name itself and pointing out the irony of Hilaria’s public persona. One commenter even joked that she should change her name to “Hilarious,” calling attention to what they perceive as theatrical attempts at cultural reinvention.
This isn’t the first time Hilaria has responded to questions about her identity. In a 2020 interview with The New York Times, she defended herself, attributing the “cucumber” incident to nervousness during an early live appearance. She also clarified that any confusion about her background stemmed partly from inaccuracies in her management agency’s online biography, which incorrectly listed Mallorca, Spain, as her birthplace.
As for the name change from Hilary to Hilaria, she explained it as a personal decision inspired by her family, who use the Spanish version of her name. She has repeatedly emphasized that she has never hidden the fact that she was born in Boston, noting that she spent time growing up in both the U.S. and Spain and that her family still lives in Spain today.
Despite her explanations, public sentiment remains divided. Supporters argue that cultural identities are often complex and that Hilaria’s experiences between two countries justify her connection to both. Critics, however, continue to view her presentation as an exaggeration or misrepresentation, especially given the prominence of her public profile and the perceived inconsistencies in how she has discussed her heritage over time.
Now, with the birth of their daughter Ilaria, those questions have reemerged, blending the deeply personal with the highly public. Whether the name reflects a genuine celebration of family heritage or reinforces the image some consider fabricated is still the subject of heated discussion.
As the Baldwins navigate parenthood once more, they do so under a familiar spotlight—one that blurs the line between personal choices and public perception. And while the debate surrounding cultural authenticity, naming, and identity rages on, one thing remains clear: in the age of constant scrutiny, every detail—down to the name of a newborn—can become part of a much larger conversation.