So … we now know that Gwen Stefani finally gave birth to her second child yesterday here in SoCal, that she birthed another son and decided to name him Zuma Nesta Rock … and now, the speculation as to the “why” begins, at least, until either Gwen or hubby Gavin Rossdale decide to enlighten us. At first, I assumed that Zuma meant that she gave birth to a baby girl. Pink reader Sajel sent me a link that confirms Zuma is, traditionally, considered a female name … but what about the rest of the newborn baby’s name … what gives?
What’s in a name? For Gwen Stefani’s newborn, Zuma Nesta Rock – plenty. Take the unique first name: Computer game aficionados may remember Zuma, a popular 2004 video game from PopCap Games. Zuma required players to remove balls rolling around the computer screen by firing a colored ball at them before they filled up the screen. A more likely name inspiration? Malibu’s famous Zuma Beach, a favorite destination for parents Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale and big brother Kingston. The beach, famous for its surfable waves, was the inspiration for Neil Young’s album Zuma, making the locale a bona-fide musical landmark. And then there’s Nesta, Zuma’s middle name. Gwen and Gavin, avid Bob Marley fans, probably took a cue from the late singer’s middle name, which was also Nesta. Marley’s home base of Kingston, Jamaica, was an inspiration for big brother Kingston Rossdale’s name, so it seems Marley themes are popular in the Stefani-Rossdale household. Zuma’s second middle name, Rock, might be a nod to Rock Steady, the third studio album from Stefani’s band No Doubt. Rock Steady was primarily recorded in Jamaica and featured a reggae-heavy sound, rounding out the Bob Marley love for the musical clan.
Lord. Well, as far as baby names go, Zuma Nesta Rock‘s isn’t the strangest … I think that distinction still belongs to actor Jason Lee‘s son Pilot Inspektor Riesgraf. It’s not even the most absurd baby name that I’ve heard of lately … I would have to say that Matthew McConaughey‘s older brother Rooster McConaughey (who has wacky name of his own, but doesn’t really count since it’s a nickname) naming his son Miller Lyte wins that contest. Even still, I can’t help but think that little Zima … sorry, Zuma is gonna have a lifetime of razzing coming his way. I just hope the kid learns how to defend himself early on … something tells me that his fair older brother, Kingston James McGregor, might not be that great of a protector. So … what do y’all think about this baby name?
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I dont think Zuma is that bad of a name.
And Jason Lee does not hold the honor of worst child’s name. As someone mentioned earlier, Frank Zappa’s kids have suffered child abuse with their names: Diva Muffin, Dweasle, Moon Unit. THAT is the pot talking.
Also Jermaine Jackson named his kid Jermajesty.
And even though this isnt as bad, David Bowie named his kid. Zoe. Zoe Bowie. I think Zoe changed the name.
I just found out that Rachel Griffiths named her kid Banjo.
Well , in South Africa , Zuma is the last name of possibly our next unwanted president, Jacob Zuma , whos been accused of rape and corruption. He’s the only Zuma to make international news. I wonder if Gav and Gwen picked up on all the scandalous coverage on BBC and thought Zuma was a cute name?
I LOVE THE NAME!!! im naming my boy Zola!!
i really am! but no one would dare punch Gwen stefani and Gavin rossdale’s KIDS!