Celebrity baby names are usually a wild ride, but Darren Criss really managed to stop the internet in its tracks. Seriously. When you're a Glee alum with a penchant for theatrical flair, people expect something a bit... different. But nobody was quite ready for the reveal of his second child.
In June 2024, Darren and his wife, Mia Swier, hopped on Instagram to announce their newest arrival. They shared a photo of a tiny baby rocking oversized sunglasses, wrapped in an R2-D2 swaddle. It was cute. It was quirky. Then people read the caption: Brother László Criss.
Naturally, the comments went nuclear. "Is his name actually Brother?" was the question of the hour. Darren eventually had to edit the post to add: "… and yes his first name is Brother."
The Mystery Behind the Name Brother László
Honestly, when you look at the Criss family naming conventions, there is a rhythm to the madness. Their first child, a daughter born in April 2022, is named Bluesy Belle. Darren has mentioned before that "Bluesy" was a nod to his father's blue eyes.
But darren criss son name choice feels more like a statement. While the couple hasn't given a 45-minute lecture on the philosophy of the name "Brother," it fits their "musical collab" brand. They’ve consistently announced their children as "follow-up singles" or "new tracks." Calling a son "Brother" is almost like a permanent role within the family band.
László, the middle name, is a classic Hungarian name. It’s sophisticated and grounded, providing a sharp contrast to the very literal first name. It’s basically the "cool uncle" of names—traditional but with enough edge to hold its own against "Brother."
Why the Internet Lost Its Mind
People love to judge. That’s just the reality of being famous in 2026. The backlash was almost immediate, with critics on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram joking about future introductions. "Do you take Brother to be your lawfully wedded husband?" was a common one.
Some fans theorized it was a meta-reference to The Blues Brothers, considering their daughter is named Bluesy. If you have a Bluesy and a Brother, you’ve basically completed the set. It’s a bit on the nose, sure, but in the world of Hollywood creatives, it’s far from the weirdest thing we’ve seen. Remember, this is the same industry where we have kids named X Æ A-12 and North West.
Life as a Father of Two
Raising two toddlers is no joke, even if you’re a Broadway star. Darren has been pretty candid about the fact that performing on stage is sometimes the "easiest part of his day" compared to the chaos of home life.
- Bluesy Belle: Born April 11, 2022.
- Brother László: Born June 3, 2024.
With about two years between them, Darren and Mia are deep in the trenches of "two under three" territory. Darren’s career hasn't slowed down, though. Between his Tony-nominated run in Maybe Happy Ending and various musical projects, he’s juggling a high-pressure career with diaper changes.
He told People magazine in 2025 that having kids changed how he approaches acting. He's more efficient now. You have to be. When you only have a small window of time before you need to get back for bath time, you stop overthinking the small stuff on set.
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The Connection to His Own Brother
It’s worth noting that the word "Brother" likely holds significant emotional weight for Darren. In early 2022, Darren lost his older brother, Charles "Chuck" Criss, to suicide. It was a devastating blow that Darren handled with incredible grace and vulnerability publicly.
While he hasn't explicitly linked his son's name to his late brother, the timing and the choice of word feel deeply personal. In a way, it’s a living tribute to the bond of brotherhood that defined so much of his early life and career—they even had a band together called Computer Games.
What Most People Miss About the "Brother" Controversy
The biggest misconception is that this was just a "quirky celebrity whim." If you follow Darren's career, everything he does is meticulously curated and deeply tied to his love for performance and family history.
- It’s about the "Collab": Darren and Mia view their marriage and family as a lifelong creative partnership.
- The "Blues" Theme: The connection between Bluesy and Brother suggests a deliberate naming architecture, not just a random word choice.
- Cultural Layers: By adding "László," they’ve anchored a whimsical first name with a strong, heritage-heavy middle name.
Many people also assume the name will lead to "endless bullying." But let's be real—he's the son of a multi-talented millionaire in Los Angeles. He's going to go to school with kids named "Leaf" and "Symphony." In that environment, "Brother" is actually kind of easy to wrap your head around.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Parents
If you're following the Criss family journey or considering a "unique" name yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Vary the "Weight" of the Name
If you go for a non-traditional first name (like Brother), balancing it with a traditional middle name (like László) gives the child options later in life. They can always go by their middle name in professional settings if they choose.
Own the Narrative
Darren didn't back down when the internet started chirping. He doubled down and confirmed the name immediately. If you choose a unique path, the best way to handle criticism is with confidence and a bit of humor.
Consider the Family "Brand"
Naming siblings with a connecting theme—like the musical "Blues" connection here—creates a cohesive family identity. It’s a way to make the names feel like they belong together rather than being a collection of random choices.
Darren Criss and Mia Swier are clearly building a world for their kids that is filled with music, Star Wars swaddles, and names that start a conversation. Whether you love the name or think it's "too much," you have to admit: it's memorable. And in the world of entertainment, being memorable is half the battle.
Stay Updated on the Criss Family
The best way to see how Brother and Bluesy are growing up is through Darren's official Instagram, though he and Mia are relatively private about showing the kids' faces clearly. They tend to stick to the "sunglasses and swaddles" aesthetic to protect their privacy while still sharing the milestones of their "latest releases."