If you’ve spent any time watching the slow-motion car crash that is the Brown family’s plural marriage on TLC, you’ve probably lost count. Honestly, it’s a lot. Between the four wives, the moves from Utah to Vegas to Flagstaff, and the recent explosive divorces, the family tree has become a bit of a tangled mess. So, how many kids does Kody Brown have?
The short answer is 18. Eighteen human beings call this man "Dad," though whether they are currently on speaking terms with him is a much more complicated story.
It isn't just a simple number. It’s a mix of biological children, adopted children, and a group of siblings who have largely had to raise themselves—and each other—while their parents were busy filming a reality show.
The Breakdown: 18 Kids and Four Moms
To really understand the sheer scale of this family, you have to look at how it’s divided. Kody didn't just have 18 kids with one person; he built this "empire" through four different women, and the math is actually pretty interesting when you see who provided the most "players" for the team.
Meri Brown: The Only Child
Meri was Kody’s first wife. For years, her struggle with secondary infertility was a major plot point on Sister Wives. Together, they have one child: Leon Brown. Leon has since come out as transgender and uses they/them pronouns. For a long time, Leon was the "forgotten" child in the mix because they were the only one in their specific household, unlike the mini-tribes happening in the other houses.
Janelle Brown: The Six-Pack
Janelle and Kody have six children together. This group is often cited by fans as the most "independent" or "tough" of the bunch.
- Logan: The eldest of all 18 kids. He’s basically been a second father to his siblings.
- Madison (Maddie): The first to get married and make Kody a grandpa.
- Hunter: The military man who often seems like the voice of reason.
- Garrison: Sadly, the family faced an unthinkable tragedy when Garrison passed away in early 2024.
- Gabriel: Famous for that heartbreaking scene where Kody forgot his birthday during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Savanah: The youngest of Janelle’s crew, who has mostly stayed out of the drama.
Christine Brown: The Heart of the Family
Christine also had six children with Kody. If you watch the early seasons, Christine was the "basement wife" who did most of the heavy lifting with childcare for everyone.
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- Aspyn: The eldest daughter who is essentially Christine’s twin.
- Mykelti: Always a bit of a rebel, she’s now a mom to three of Kody's grandkids.
- Paedon: The only son from this marriage, and he isn't afraid to spill tea on TikTok.
- Gwendlyn: Another truth-teller who has her own YouTube channel dissecting the show.
- Ysabel: Her scoliosis surgery was a massive turning point in the family's downfall.
- Truely: The "baby" of Christine’s bunch, born right as the show started in 2010.
Robyn Brown: The "Tender Aged" Kids
Robyn is the fourth wife and the only one currently still married to Kody. She brought three children from a previous marriage, whom Kody legally adopted. Then they had two biological children together.
- Dayton: Robyn’s eldest son.
- Aurora: Often seen as Kody’s favorite "obedient" daughter.
- Breanna: The youngest of the adopted three.
- Solomon: Kody’s first biological son with Robyn.
- Ariella: The youngest of all 18, famously nicknamed "Baby Sister."
Why the Number 18 Matters Right Now
It’s easy to look at a list of names and think, "Okay, cool, big family." But in 2026, that number—18—represents a fractured legacy. Most of those kids are adults now. They have jobs, houses, and kids of their own. And a huge chunk of them don't talk to Kody.
Kody has spent the last few seasons of Sister Wives lamenting the fact that his adult children (specifically Janelle and Christine’s kids) don't respect him. He famously demanded "loyalty" and "apologies" before he’d see them for Christmas.
How many kids does Kody Brown have a relationship with? That’s the real question. Based on social media and recent episodes, he is primarily close with Robyn’s five children. The "OG 13" (the kids from Meri, Janelle, and Christine) have largely formed their own support network that doesn't include their father.
The Tragedy of Garrison Brown
We can't talk about Kody’s 18 kids without acknowledging the hole left in the family in 2024. Garrison Brown’s death was a massive shock to the fanbase and, presumably, a wake-up call for the family.
Before his passing, there was a lot of public tension between Garrison and Kody. They were estranged. While the family put on a united front for the funeral, sources like People and various family social media accounts suggest that the rift between Kody and his older sons hasn't magically healed. It’s a somber reminder that "having 18 kids" isn't just a stat—it's 18 individual relationships that require work.
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Understanding the Grandkids (The Next Generation)
The Brown family isn't just 18 kids anymore. It’s expanding. As of early 2026, Kody is a grandfather many times over.
- Maddie (Janelle’s daughter): Has three kids—Axel, Evie, and Josephine.
- Mykelti (Christine’s daughter): Has three kids—Avalon and twins Ace and Archer.
That brings the total headcount to 18 children and 6 grandchildren. When they talk about a "big family," they aren't kidding. If everyone actually showed up to a Thanksgiving dinner, you'd need a commercial kitchen and a small stadium.
What People Get Wrong About the Brown Kids
A lot of viewers assume that because these kids grew up in a "polygamist cult" (their words, sometimes), they must be repressed or planning to live the same lifestyle.
Actually, it’s the opposite.
Not a single one of Kody's 18 children has expressed a desire to live in plural marriage. Not one. They’ve seen the "behind the scenes" of their parents' misery for 19 seasons, and they’re opting for monogamy or staying single.
They are also surprisingly successful. Logan has an MBA. Hunter is a nurse and Air Force officer. Leon has a Master’s degree. For a group of kids who moved houses every few years and had their awkward teen phases broadcast to millions, they turned out remarkably well-adjusted.
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The Future of the Brown Dynasty
So, where do things stand today?
Kody and Robyn are living in their large house in Flagstaff. The other three wives have moved on. Christine is happily remarried to David Woolley. Janelle is living her best life as a "cool grandma" and traveling. Meri is off doing her own thing with her B&B in Utah.
The 18 kids are the glue, but they aren't sticking to Kody. They are sticking to their moms.
If you're trying to keep track of the names for a trivia night or just to understand the latest episode of Sister Wives, just remember the "6-6-5-1" rule: Janelle and Christine have six each, Robyn has five (including the three Kody adopted), and Meri has one.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to keep up with the kids without the TLC editing, your best bet is following them on Instagram. Maddie Brush, Mykelti Padron, and Gwendlyn Brown are the most active and often give the most honest updates about where the family stands. Just don't expect a big "happy family" reunion photo anytime soon—the 18 are mostly split into camps now.