In the chaotic, camera-flashing world of Hollywood, keeping a pregnancy secret is basically a tactical operation. Scarlett Johansson managed it. While the rest of the world was busy watching her navigate the fallout of the Black Widow lawsuit or debating her latest film role, she was quietly preparing for a massive life change at home.
When the news finally broke in August 2021, it wasn't a glossy magazine cover or a staged photo shoot. It was a brief, somewhat blunt Instagram post from her husband, Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost. "Ok ok we had a baby," he wrote. "His name is Cosmo." And just like that, the internet had a new favorite mystery.
The Story Behind the Name Cosmo
People always want to know: why Cosmo? It’s not exactly a common name in the preschool lineup. Scarlett has been pretty open about the fact that she didn't want the "weird face" people make when you tell them a "unique" baby name while you're still pregnant. You know the one. That polite, slightly pained smile that says, “Oh, you're actually serious?”
She waited until he was out to drop the name.
Cosmo isn't just a random space-themed choice, though that's where most people’s minds go. Honestly, it's a flower. Scarlett’s daughter, Rose Dorothy (from her previous marriage to Romain Dauriac), is named after a flower, and Scarlett wanted a subtle connection between the two siblings. A Cosmo is a delicate, vibrant flower that usually comes in shades of orange and yellow.
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But not everyone was a fan right away.
Family Drama and the "Cosimo" Alternative
Colin Jost’s mom was, to put it mildly, a bit thrown. On Late Night with Seth Meyers, Colin joked that his mother spent several days after the birth basically checking if the decision was final. She’d call and ask, "Is it final? Did you submit the birth certificate?"
She even tried to pitch a slightly more "recognizable" alternative: Cosimo.
"I was like, 'No, he's already here, he's out. We’re not just gonna insert an I!'" Scarlett recalled during a later interview. Eventually, the family came around, but it’s a classic example of the struggle between Hollywood's love for unique monikers and traditional family expectations.
Growing Up Away From the Cameras
By now, in early 2026, Cosmo is a full-blown toddler. He’s about four years old, which means he’s likely deep into that "toddler tornado" phase Scarlett has described.
While we don't see his face on Instagram—Scarlett is famously anti-social media and fiercely protective of her kids' anonymity—we do get these tiny, hilarious windows into their life. For instance, did you know Cosmo is a huge fan of Chappell Roan? Scarlett recently admitted that "HOT TO GO!" is a staple in their house. Apparently, the four-year-old sings it constantly, leading Scarlett to listen to it about twenty times a day.
There's something deeply grounding about the idea of a Marvel superhero and an SNL head writer being held hostage by a toddler's favorite pop song.
Life on Set and Swimming Lessons
Despite their privacy, Cosmo has had some pretty cool experiences. He was the "set baby" for Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City. While Scarlett was busy filming, Cosmo was the one everyone actually wanted to see. She’s joked that her co-stars would see her and immediately ask, "Where's the baby?"
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Colin has also mentioned that Cosmo is quite the little athlete. By age two, he was already an "independent swimmer," which is pretty impressive. It seems like the couple is focused on giving him a "normal" upbringing—as normal as it can be when your mom is an Avenger.
Navigating Privacy in 2026
Scarlett’s stance on her children’s privacy is firm. She’s called the anonymity of her children "precious" and has been vocal about why she won't let them be in the spotlight until they can choose it for themselves.
She even turned down her 11-year-old daughter Rose’s request to make videos for Scarlett’s skincare brand, The Outset. Her logic? Once you put that image out there, you can never "stuff it back in the bottle."
What parents can learn from Scarlett’s approach:
- Set boundaries early: You don't owe anyone (including family) a change of heart on your naming choices.
- Privacy is a gift: In an era of oversharing, keeping your children's lives offline allows them to develop their own identities without a digital trail they didn't ask for.
- Find the humor: Whether it's "toddler tornadoes" or skeptical grandmothers, a sense of humor is the only way to survive the early years of parenting.
If you're looking to simplify your own family's digital footprint or want to learn more about protecting your kids' privacy online, a good first step is reviewing the privacy settings on your own social media accounts to ensure only trusted friends can see your family photos.