Keke Palmer’s life is basically an open book, but when she announced her pregnancy on Saturday Night Live by ripping open her blazer, she set off a frenzy. People were obsessed. Not just with the pregnancy, but with who she was becoming as a mother. Then came the birth in February 2023, and with it, a name that felt like it carried the weight of an entire era of history.
Leodis Andrellton Jackson.
It’s a mouthful. It’s powerful. Honestly, it sounds like he should be leading a movement or running for office in the 1960s. That’s exactly what Keke thought, too. She didn't just pick a name out of a baby book; the story behind Keke Palmer son name is a mix of Chicago culture, pregnancy "vibes," and a very specific attempt at a "couple name" mashup that almost went off the rails.
Why Leodis Andrellton Jackson Sounds Like History
When Leodis was born on February 25, 2023, Keke took to Instagram to share him with the world. She famously captioned the post: "Born during Black History Month, with a name to match."
She wasn't kidding.
The name Leodis (often shortened to "Leo") has a certain gravity to it. Keke has joked in interviews, specifically on the House Guest podcast with Scott Evans, that the name makes him sound like he was "marching with Martin Luther King Jr." It’s an "old man" name in the best way possible. It suggests a kid who’s going to grow up to be a statesman or a civil rights leader.
But where did it actually come from?
The "Darius and Lauren" Mashup
The real tea is that Keke didn't actually come up with the name. Her ex-boyfriend, Darius Jackson, did. According to Keke, Darius wanted a name that combined both of theirs. Now, you have to remember that Keke’s real name isn't Keke—it’s Lauren Keyana Palmer.
Darius tried to smash "Darius" and "Lauren" together. The result? Leodis.
"He wanted both our names, which is so crazy," Keke told Scott Evans. She admitted that at the time, being heavily pregnant, she was just kind of in a "sure, why not?" headspace. "I was pregnant, anything went," she joked. It’s a very Illinois thing to do, apparently. Keke, who is from Harvey, Illinois, pointed out that her own family is full of these combinations. Her parents, Larry and Sharon, even used "Laron" for their email address.
The Meaning of "Andrellton"
If Leodis feels like a throwback, the middle name Andrellton adds another layer of uniqueness. While the couple hasn't given a 10-point breakdown of the etymology, it fits the rhythmic, distinguished vibe they were going for. It’s not a name you’re going to hear on every playground in Los Angeles.
It’s distinct. It’s formal.
A Name That Faces Trolls
Because the internet is the internet, not everyone was a fan of the vintage sound. Some trolls poked fun at the name, saying it sounded like a 40-year-old man lived in a baby's body. Keke, being the queen of clapbacks, didn't let it slide. She defended the name’s strength and its connection to Black history and culture.
To her, the name represents power. She often refers to Leo as her "peace" and her "strength." In her 2024 birthday tribute to him, she mentioned how his "silent strength" gave her peace even while he was still in the womb.
Motherhood and the "Village"
Since welcoming Leo, Keke’s life hasn't exactly been a quiet suburban dream. Her relationship with Darius Jackson went through a very public and messy transition. By late 2023, things had devolved into legal battles, restraining orders, and custody disputes.
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Through it all, Keke Palmer son name remained a symbol of her new identity. She shifted from being just a "multi-hyphenate star" to a mother who is fiercely protective of her son’s privacy—mostly. She’s joked about "hiding the world from her son" rather than "hiding her son from the world," but she still shares the sweet moments.
Co-Parenting in 2026
Fast forward to today, and the dust has settled into a more stable co-parenting rhythm. Keke has been vocal about the fact that she doesn't do it alone. She relies on her sister and her parents—her "village."
In a 2025 interview with Teen Vogue, she emphasized that keeping Leo "insulated" with people she trusts is the only way she survives the demands of her career. And her career is still booming. From her album Just Keke to her various TV projects, she’s constantly on the move, and more often than not, Leo is right there with her. She even took him to a National Pancake Day event in matching "pancakesuits."
What You Should Know About Leodis
If you're following the journey of this little history-maker, here are the fast facts:
- Full Name: Leodis Andrellton Jackson
- Nickname: Leo
- Birth Date: February 25, 2023
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces (which explains that "silent strength" Keke talks about)
- Parents: Keke Palmer (Lauren Keyana) and Darius Jackson
- Signature Style: Often seen in high-fashion "mini-me" outfits or themed costumes (like his iconic Dr. Frankenstein Halloween look).
The Legacy of a Name
Choosing a name like Leodis wasn't just a whim; it was a statement. In a world of "Aiden" and "Jackson," Keke and Darius chose something that felt anchored in the past while looking toward a big future.
It reminds us that names carry energy.
When Keke looks at her son, she doesn't just see a toddler; she sees a "campaign," a "movement," and a "strong baby" who helped her find her own "strong mommy" energy.
Looking Forward
If you're thinking about naming a child or just obsessed with celeb baby names, there’s a lesson in Keke’s story. Don't be afraid of the "old" names. Sometimes the most modern thing you can do is give a child a name that sounds like it has already lived a thousand lives.
Keep an eye on Leo. Whether he ends up in politics or on the big screen like his mom, he’s already got the name for it. If you're following Keke's journey, the best way to stay updated is through her digital platform, KeyTV, where she often shares glimpses into her life as a mogul and a mom. You can also check out her book Master of Me for more personal reflections on how motherhood changed her perspective on boundaries and self-worth.