Amber Heard is once again at the center of social media drama—this time over Amber Heard’s daughter’s name, Oonagh Paige Heard. The actress, who has been in the public eye for several controversial reasons, revealed the birth of her daughter in April 2021. However, what should have been a joyous occasion has become another reason online trolls target the “Aquaman” star. Heard, who shared her excitement about becoming a mother, described Oonagh as “the beginning of the rest of my life.” Instead of receiving widespread congratulations, the conversation quickly shifted to the choice of name, with critics voicing strong opinions about its uniqueness.
Amber Heard’s daughter And Her Online Criticism: “She’ll Be Bullied”
The name Oonagh has sparked a flurry of online backlash, with many claiming the child is destined for a life of bullying due to both her name and her mother’s high-profile legal battles. One social media user didn’t hold back. They stated: “This girl will get bullied not only because her mom is Amber Heard, but because her name is OONAGH.” Another critic said, “Amber Heard really named her daughter Oonagh though? Sigh.” A particularly harsh comment likened the name to that of a mythical warrior, saying it conjured images of “someone who wears fur and conquers villages.” In an attempt to emphasize how out-of-the-ordinary it sounds.
Some comments suggested the name was chosen out of the blue, and that Heard might not have considered the implications for her daughter later in life. The prevailing fear among detractors is that the combination of a famous—and often criticized—mother, along with an uncommon name, will make Oonagh a target of bullying in school and beyond.
Defenders of Heard: “It’s Her Choice”
Not all of the public reaction has been negative, however. Some people have come to Heard’s defense. Asserting that naming a child is a personal decision and no one else’s business. “Whatever. It’s her choice to name her child what she wants. It’s not the worst I’ve heard. Look at Elon Musk’s kid—X Æ A-12,” one user wrote. Pointing out that Oonagh is far from the most unusual celebrity baby name. Another user commented, “Don’t know, could be worse… she could have named her Seenbutnever!” While some people believe the name could be a potential issue for Oonagh, others feel that it will hardly stand out as problematic in today’s world of increasingly creative names.
Amber Heard’s Vision: A Radical Choice
Amber Heard announced her daughter’s birth via an Instagram post, in which she expressed pride and independence in her decision to become a single mother. “Four years ago, I decided I wanted to have a child. I wanted to do it on my own terms,” she shared. The actress went on to explain that her choice to have a child outside of a traditional marriage reflects her hopes that society will become more accepting of diverse family structures. “I hope we arrive at a point in which it’s normalized to not want a ring in order to have a crib,” she added—illuding to the idea that women should have the freedom to define their own paths to motherhood.
The name Oonagh, which is of Irish origin and means “pure” or “holy,” holds deep personal significance for Heard, who named her daughter in part to honor her late mother, Paige. In choosing the name, Heard may have been driven more by emotional and familial ties than by concern over how it would be received by the public.
The Public Scrutiny Continues
Since the birth announcement, Amber Heard’s daughter, Oonagh Paige, has become a topic of discussion beyond just parenting circles, drawing mixed reactions from the wider public. For Amber Heard, this is not new territory. The actress has spent much of the last decade embroiled in public controversy, primarily stemming from her legal battles with ex-husband Johnny Depp. While some criticize her personal decisions, others have rallied behind her as she has sought to distance herself from the negativity surrounding her name.
After her much-publicized defamation trial with Depp concluded in 2022, Heard reportedly left the Hollywood scene and moved to Spain. According to reports, her relocation was an effort to start fresh and raise Oonagh in a more peaceful environment. “I get to be a mom, like, full-time,” she told Today during an interview. “Where I’m not having to juggle calls with lawyers.” Despite her efforts to maintain a private life, the criticism surrounding her daughter’s name shows that Heard is still very much in the public eye.
Celebrity Baby Names: A New Normal?
Heard’s decision to name her daughter Oonagh highlights a larger trend among celebrities who opt for non-traditional names for their children, from Gwyneth Paltrow naming her daughter Apple to Elon Musk’s mathematically inspired X Æ A-12. The world of celebrity baby names has seen an increase in unique and sometimes bizarre choices. While some parents see these names as expressions of creativity and individuality, others worry that children with unconventional names may face unnecessary challenges.
Critics of Heard’s name choice argue that Oonagh could struggle with bullying in the future. But Heard seems unfazed by the public’s judgment. The name Oonagh, deeply tied to her Irish roots and her late mother, clearly carries personal meaning for the actress. Whether the criticism will follow her daughter as she grows up remains to be seen. For now, Heard stands by her decision.
Amber Heard’s daughter: a New Chapter
Following her contentious legal battles and the decision to step away from acting, Amber Heard is focusing on motherhood and building a life outside the public eye. Her move to Spain reflects her desire for a fresh start away from the limelight. While the public may continue to scrutinize her choices, Heard is determined to raise her daughter on her own terms.
For her, Oonagh represents the future—a fresh start filled with hope and love. While Amber Heard’s parenting decisions, including her choice of name, continue to stir debate, the actress seems resolute in living life according to her values, regardless of public opinion.