Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ 4 Kids: All About James, Inez, Betty, and Olin

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, the epitome of Hollywood’s coolest parents, have built a loving family over the years, filled with humour, love, and occasional chaos. Since tying the knot in 2012, the power couple has welcomed four children, each with their own distinct personality and charm. Though they keep their family life private, Lively and Reynolds’ kids have become known through the love, stories, and interactions the couple shares. From surprise name reveals to parenthood moments that make fans smile, here’s everything to know about the four adorable kids of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds: James, Inez, Betty, and Olin.

Who Are Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s Kids?

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are parents to four wonderful kids, who each bring their own spark to the family. The couple has always been known for keeping their family life private, but with every new milestone, they share a glimpse of the joy their children bring them. From James’ first gig on Taylor Swift’s album to Olin’s sweet first year, here’s everything you need to know about Blake and Ryan’s kids.

James Reynolds

Blake and Ryan’s eldest daughter, James, was born on December 16, 2014. Her name carries deep sentimental value, as it was chosen in honour of Ryan’s father, who passed away shortly after her birth. Ryan has spoken about how naming his daughter James felt right, especially because his father had the chance to meet her before he passed, which brought him great comfort.

Although James’ name may have raised some eyebrows as an unconventional choice for a girl, Ryan jokingly dismissed the speculation, saying, “I didn’t call her Summer Squash Meadowlark.” The name James was a way for Ryan to honour his father’s legacy in a meaningful way.

James made her first big splash into the public eye at just two years old, when her voice was featured on Taylor Swift’s album Reputation. On the song “Gorgeous,” James’ voice can be heard during the opening lines, and Swift later credited her in the album’s booklet. Ryan and Blake have often spoken about their pride in their daughter, especially when they experienced a memorable moment during a Swift concert where they heard her voice in the crowd. Lively couldn’t contain her excitement, jumping up and down while filming, and Reynolds was equally excited, throwing his hands in the air in an unfiltered display of stage-parent pride.

Despite her parents’ fame, James grew up with a relatively normal life and didn’t understand her mom and dad’s celebrity status until a trip to one of Taylor Swift’s concerts, where she realized that “this isn’t just a hobby.” Her favourite movie is Back to the Future, and Ryan has expressed how proud he is that she shares his love for the classic film.

Inez Reynolds

The second child of the Reynolds-Lively brood, Inez, was born on September 30, 2016. Known for her unique and quirky personality, Inez is often described as having a bit of a “dark side.” Ryan once shared on Live with Kelly and Ryan that Inez loves villains, with Gaston from Beauty and the Beast being one of her favourite characters.

Even though she’s the middle child, Inez has captured attention with her sassy charm. Ryan has shared funny anecdotes about Inez, such as when she was the only one in the family who was subjected to a secondary security pat-down at the airport at just two years old. Ryan also joked that she took the pat-down “like a hard-earned felon,” revealing her strong-willed nature.

Like her siblings, Inez has had her moments of fame, particularly during the filming of Deadpool 2. Inez had a cameo as “Kidpool,” where she wore her father’s mask. Ryan humorously shared that she was “the only co-star I argued with.” Despite her adorable and fun-loving personality, Inez is known for her quick wit and backtalk, and Ryan lovingly describes her as never being afraid to speak her mind.

Inez also has a unique sense of style. In 2021, Blake shared a video showing Inez’s fashion choices for her. Inez insisted Blake wear a floral skirt, a hot pink sweatshirt, black pumps, and fuzzy pink heels, which certainly showcased her bold fashion sense. It’s clear that Inez has no trouble asserting herself, whether it’s choosing her outfits or making her opinion known.

Betty Reynolds

The youngest daughter before the arrival of Olin is Betty, born on October 4, 2019. Betty’s name holds special meaning for Blake, as it honours both her mother and her grandmother. Betty is also the namesake for Blake’s non-alcoholic sparkling mixer company, Betty Buzz, which is a tribute to her family roots.

Betty’s name became public thanks to a song by Taylor Swift. Swift’s 2020 track “Betty” from the Folklore album references not only Betty’s name but also the names of her older sisters, James and Inez. Blake and Ryan were delighted by the tribute, as they trust Taylor implicitly, knowing that the song was written with sensitivity and respect to their family.

Although Betty may not be the most publicized member of the family, she certainly made an impact during a Deadpool 2 set moment. She was credited as the “Hugh Jackman Wrangler” after a playful backstage encounter with the actor. According to Ryan, Betty tried to “attack” Hugh, who humorously said that Betty thought he had healing powers. The playful moment is just one example of Betty’s spunky personality.

Olin Reynolds

Olin, the youngest of the Reynolds-Lively family, was born in February 2023. Blake and Ryan managed to keep details of Olin’s birth under wraps for over a year, keeping his name and gender a secret until the summer of 2024. His name, “Olin,” which is of Nordic origin, means “ancestor’s heir” or “to inherit,” reflecting the family’s heritage.

Blake and Ryan finally revealed Olin’s gender and name during the press tour for Deadpool and Wolverine. During a speech at the New York premiere of the film, Ryan mentioned his youngest child. Fans were eager to learn more about the newest addition to the family.

Olin’s arrival completed Blake and Ryan’s family, and though he’s only 1 year old, Olin has already made his mark. In an interview with Savannah Guthrie on TODAY, Ryan jokingly shared that they are still waiting for Taylor Swift to “name” their child, referencing how Taylor’s songs have given a name to the couple’s previous children. Blake also humorously shared details of Olin’s first birthday, including a cheeky birthday cake with a playful design that will no doubt be a memory to cherish for years.

How Did Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Choose Their Kids’ Names?

Reynolds and Lively with daughters James and Inez at the ceremony honoring Reynolds with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Source: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic

Blake and Ryan have shared that family connections often inspire their kids’ names. James was named after Ryan’s father, who passed away shortly after her birth. This heartfelt gesture honoured his legacy, making the name especially meaningful. When asked about the unusual name choice for a girl, Ryan joked about it, but ultimately, the name had a deep, personal significance for the family.

Their second daughter, Inez, was named with a “z” instead of an “s,” despite the fact that many people confuse the spelling. Lively even addressed this on social media, adding humour to the situation by asking people to “tell Wikipedia” the correct spelling.

As for Betty, her name honours Blake’s family, specifically her mother and grandmother. It’s also an inspiration behind the name of her mom’s non-alcoholic sparkling mixers company, Betty Buzz. Lastly, Olin, the youngest, was a surprise for many, and it wasn’t until later that Reynolds and Lively revealed his name. The name “Olin” is Nordic in origin, meaning “ancestor’s heir,” which ties into the family’s heritage.

How Do Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Balance Parenting with Their Busy Careers?

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are two of Hollywood’s busiest stars, but their commitment to parenting is at the heart of everything they do. Both parents have spoken about parenthood’s unique and sometimes chaotic aspects, especially with four children under 10. Despite their hectic schedules, the couple strongly emphasizes being present for their kids.

In interviews, Ryan has openly discussed how he and Blake try to ensure that their date nights revolve around their children. They often spend hours discussing how to be better parents. They admit that even when out for dinner, their focus remains on family, with their conversations centering around addressing their children’s needs and raising them well.

Both have mentioned the joy and challenges of raising kids, noting that they embrace the chaos. In fact, in a funny interview, Ryan said that their household could never be described as “tidy.” But despite the mess, they take the time to work on making their family life fulfilling and balanced.

What Does Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ Parenting Look Like in Practice?

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ parenting style is centred on love, laughter, and fun. The couple frequently shares lighthearted moments from their family life on social media, but they also prioritize their children’s privacy, keeping most personal details under wraps. Their approach is playful, with Blake mentioning in interviews that she enjoys doing activities like the “chicken dance” with her kids while also trying to have serious conversations about parenting.

Ryan, known for his humour, also shared how their kids enjoy playing with his film-related props. One memorable moment was when Inez, at a young age, caused a bit of trouble on the Deadpool set. Despite being one of Hollywood’s most famous couples, Blake and Ryan work hard to maintain a sense of normalcy for their children, providing them with love and laughter at home.

How Has Taylor Swift’s Involvement in Blake and Ryan’s Family Life Impacted Their Kids?

One interesting aspect of Blake and Ryan’s kids’ lives is their connection to global popstar Taylor Swift. Taylor is the godmother to Blake and Ryan’s children, a fact revealed by Swift herself when she jokingly referred to Ryan as her “godkids’ sperm donor.” Taylor Swift’s close relationship with the family has also led to several fun moments, including references to the Reynolds-Lively kids in her songs, such as Betty, which includes mentions of James, Inez, and Betty.

This connection to Taylor has led to memorable experiences, including when James’ voice was featured on Swift’s album Reputation when she was just two years old. The family dynamic has allowed their children to grow up surrounded by love from both their parents and their godmother, Swift, and it’s clear that close bonds are cherished.

FAQs

How many kids do Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have? Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have four children: James (10), Inez (8), Betty (5), and Olin (1).

Why did Blake and Ryan name their daughter James? They named their eldest daughter James in honour of Ryan’s father, who passed away shortly after James was born.

What is the meaning behind the name Olin? Olin is a Nordic name that means “ancestor’s heir” or “to inherit,” reflecting the family’s heritage.

How does Blake Lively balance her career and motherhood? Blake Lively is committed to being a present mother and has mentioned how she and Ryan discuss their children’s needs even when they go out for dinner. They try to balance their busy careers with their role as parents by focusing on family time.

Does Taylor Swift have any involvement in the family? Yes, she is the godmother of Blake and Ryan’s children, and her song “Betty” references them, making her an integral part of their family life.