Honestly, the way we find out celebrity baby names these days is getting wild. Forget the formal magazine spreads or the "People Exclusive" covers of the 2000s. For Ashley Benson, the reveal of her daughter's name was a slow-burn mystery that involved a high-profile "slip-up" and a very subtle piece of jewelry.
If you’ve been following the Pretty Little Liars star, you know she’s kept her private life under lock and key lately. After her whirlwind romance with oil heir Brandon Davis led to a secret wedding in late 2023, fans were dying to know what they’d name their first child.
The answer? Aspen.
But the path to getting that name confirmed was anything but a standard press release. It’s a mix of accidental leaks and "blink-and-you’ll-miss-it" social media clues that define how modern Hollywood stars handle privacy in 2026.
The Kathy Hilton Slip-Up
Before Ashley ever said the name herself, the world heard it from a "Grandma-adjacent" figure in their social circle. In May 2024, at the Race to Erase MS Gala, Kathy Hilton—who is basically Hollywood royalty and a close friend of the family—was on stage.
While giving a shout-out to Brandon Davis (whose mother Nancy Davis founded the event), Kathy casually thanked the couple for being there and referenced their "new baby, Aspen."
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You could almost hear the collective gasp of the internet.
At that point, Ashley hadn't confirmed the name. She hadn't even shared a clear photo. It was the classic "oops" moment that only a Hilton could pull off at a charity gala. For weeks, fans wondered if Kathy had just dropped the biggest spoiler of Ashley’s year or if it was a nickname.
How Ashley Finally Confirmed the Name
Ashley didn't rush to social media to correct Kathy or confirm the news right away. She waited.
It wasn't until months later, in late 2024, that the name appeared in a way that felt much more personal. In a mirror selfie posted to her Instagram stories, Ashley gave us a glimpse of the little one.
The kicker? A pacifier chain.
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If you zoomed in close enough on the beads of that clip, they clearly spelled out A-S-P-E-N. It was the ultimate "if you know, you know" confirmation. No big announcement. No fancy font. Just a mom sharing a real-life moment with her kid.
A Timeline of the Journey
- January 2023: Ashley and Brandon are first spotted together.
- November 2023: The couple quietly ties the knot.
- February 14, 2024: Little Aspen is born (yes, a Valentine’s baby!).
- May 2024: Kathy Hilton leaks the name "Aspen" at a gala.
- February 2025: Ashley finally shares the first photo of Aspen's face.
Why the Name Aspen Fits Their Vibe
Naming trends in 2026 have definitely leaned toward the "nature-chic" aesthetic. Aspen is a name that feels both grounded and high-end. It’s a tree, sure, but it’s also synonymous with the luxury ski culture of Colorado—a vibe that fits Brandon Davis’s background as the grandson of billionaire Marvin Davis.
It’s also worth noting that Aspen Davis is part of a new generation of "PLL babies." Ashley’s former co-stars Shay Mitchell and Troian Bellisario have also chosen relatively unique, nature-inspired or classic-yet-cool names for their kids (like Atlas and Rome, or Aurora and Elliot).
Privacy in the Age of 2026
Watching Ashley navigate motherhood has been a lesson in boundaries. For the first year of Aspen's life, we barely saw anything. Even when she posted, she’d use a well-placed heart emoji to cover her daughter’s face.
When she finally did share a face reveal in early 2025, she did it on her own terms. The photos showed her and Aspen in matching sunglasses, looking like absolute twins. It was cute, it was controlled, and it didn't feel like she was "selling" her child’s image to the highest bidder.
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She’s also been vocal about the pressure of being a new mom in the public eye. Remember when people were accusing her of using weight-loss drugs right after giving birth? She shut that down fast, crediting her trainer and a dedicated wellness routine instead.
What’s Next for the Family?
Now that Aspen is a toddler, we’re seeing a bit more of the "Davis" family life. They’ve been spotted on vacations in Monaco and having quiet lunches in Beverly Hills.
If you're looking for Aspen's name on official merchandise or looking to follow "celebrity baby style," here's the reality:
- Keep it subtle. Ashley likes brands that are high-quality but not covered in logos.
- Watch the stories. Most updates happen on Ashley's Instagram stories rather than permanent posts.
- Respect the boundaries. She still keeps most of Aspen's daily life offline.
It’s refreshing to see a star who grew up in the "paparazzi era" of the 2000s take such a firm grip on her own narrative. Aspen might have a famous name and a billionaire lineage, but her parents seem determined to give her as normal a childhood as possible—or at least as normal as it gets when Kathy Hilton is the one announcing your name to the world.
To stay updated on the most accurate details regarding Ashley's journey, follow her official social media channels rather than relying on tabloid speculation, as she has proven that she will share what she wants, when she wants.