If you still picture Pauly D as the single, blowout-sporting DJ from the original Jersey Shore days, you might want to sit down. Time moves fast. It’s been well over a decade since the world found out that the fist-pumping king of Seaside Heights had become a father. Naturally, people are still constantly asking: how old is Pauly D daughter?
As of early 2026, Pauly D’s daughter, Amabella Sophia Markert, is 12 years old.
She was born on May 15, 2013. It feels like just yesterday that the news broke about her birth, sparking a media firestorm because, well, nobody saw it coming. Especially not Pauly.
The Wild Backstory of Amabella’s Arrival
The story of how Amabella came into the world is straight out of a reality TV script. Back in 2012, Paul "Pauly D" DelVecchio had a brief encounter with a woman named Amanda Markert in Las Vegas. It wasn't a long-term romance. In fact, it was a one-night stand.
Pauly didn't even know he was a father until several months after Amabella was born. When the news finally hit the press in October 2013, it was messy. There were paternity tests, public statements, and a very public custody battle that played out across TMZ and every major tabloid.
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At the time, things looked pretty grim. Pauly was worried about her being used for "fame," and Amanda was fighting for her own rights. But honestly? They eventually figured it out. They settled their differences out of court and moved toward a co-parenting relationship that actually seems to work.
Growing Up Fast: Life at 12
Being the daughter of one of the world’s most famous DJs comes with some perks—and some strict rules. Pauly has been surprisingly vocal lately about how he’s raising her. He’s not the "cool dad" who lets everything slide.
No TikTok and Strict Phone Rules
Even though she’s practically a teenager now, Pauly is keeping a tight lid on her social media presence. He famously told People that she isn't allowed to have TikTok because she’s "too young."
- The iPhone Situation: She got an iPhone 15 for Christmas a couple of years back, but it’s not a free-for-all.
- Grade Requirements: If her grades slip, the phone goes away. Period.
- The FaceTime Habit: Since Pauly is constantly on the road for DJ gigs, they FaceTime constantly. It’s how they stay connected while he’s in Vegas or touring.
A "Mini-Me" Personality
If you've ever seen rare clips of her or heard Pauly talk about her, it's clear the apple didn't fall far from the tree. He calls her his "mini-me" for a reason. She’s loud, she’s funny, and she apparently has a prankster streak that rivals his own. She’s even shown interest in DJing, with Pauly setting up a "DJ room" for her in his house.
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Why You Don't See Her on Jersey Shore
You’ll notice that while Snooki’s kids and JWoww’s kids are practically stars of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, Amabella is almost never on camera. That is a very intentional choice by Pauly.
He’s kept her mostly off the show to give her a "normal" life in New Jersey, away from the chaos of reality TV cameras. While he shares small anecdotes about her, he rarely posts her face on his massive social media accounts. Amanda Markert, her mother, is a bit more open on her Instagram, sharing photos of their birthdays and school milestones, but Pauly remains the "privacy protector" of the family.
The Nikki Hall Connection
Another layer to Amabella’s life is Pauly’s long-term relationship with Nikki Hall. The two met on Double Shot at Love and have been together for years now. Introducing a daughter to a girlfriend is a huge step, and Pauly didn't rush it.
Nikki and Amabella apparently get along famously. They FaceTime all the time, and Nikki has become a consistent part of her life. It’s a far cry from the "one-night stand" drama of 2013. It’s a blended family that actually seems to have its act together.
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What’s Next for the DelVecchio Family?
As Amabella hits her middle school years, the "how old is Pauly D daughter" question will probably shift toward whether she’ll ever step into the spotlight herself. For now, she’s just a kid in Jersey who likes the Sugar Factory and skincare products from Sephora.
Key Takeaways for Fans:
- Birthday: May 15, 2013.
- Current Age: 12 years old.
- Home Base: She lives primarily in New Jersey with her mother but spends significant time with Pauly.
- Privacy: Don't expect a spin-off show anytime soon; Pauly is adamant about keeping her childhood private.
If you're looking to keep up with the latest updates on the Jersey Shore cast, the best way is to follow their official social media handles, but remember that Pauly keeps his "Dad Mode" and "DJ Mode" very separate. You might catch a glimpse of a "Mini-Me" joke on his stories, but the full details of her life remain strictly off-limits to the paparazzi.
To stay informed on celebrity family updates, you can check out the latest episodes of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation on MTV, where Pauly occasionally drops "dad life" gems that give us a peek into his world without crossing the line into his daughter's privacy.