Kayleigh McEnany Named Her Daughter After the Tree She Planted the Day She Found Out She Was Pregnant – And Its Symbolic Meaning Will Make You Think! 🌳🤰
Kayleigh McEnany, the former White House press secretary and current co-host of Fox News’ Outnumbered, has long been a figure who blends her public persona with deeply personal stories rooted in faith and family. In a touching revelation during a May 5, 2025, episode of Outnumbered, Mc- McEnany shared the heartwarming story behind her third child’s name, Lila, which was inspired by a lilac tree she planted the day she learned she was pregnant. The symbolic meaning of the lilac, tied to love, renewal, and resilience, has captivated fans and sparked conversations about the profound connection between nature and new life. Here’s the story of Lila’s name, the significance of the lilac tree, and why this choice resonates so deeply with McEnany’s journey as a mother.
A Joyful Announcement and a Personal Tradition
Kayleigh McEnany and her husband, former MLB pitcher Sean Gilmartin, welcomed their third child, a daughter named Lila Rose, in June 2024. The couple, already parents to daughter Blake Avery (born November 2019) and son Nash (born December 2022), announced Lila’s arrival during a March 2025 episode of Outnumbered, where McEnany shared that her pregnancy had been a “special time” filled with family moments, including her daughter Blake kissing her stomach to greet the baby. However, it was during the May 2025 broadcast that McEnany revealed the unique inspiration behind Lila’s name, tying it to a poignant moment from her pregnancy.
McEnany explained that on the day she confirmed her pregnancy with Lila, she and Gilmartin planted a lilac tree in their Tampa, Florida, backyard as a way to mark the occasion. “I took the test, saw those two pink lines, and I just knew this was a gift from God,” she said on air, her voice filled with emotion. “Sean and I wanted to do something to celebrate, so we went to a nursery and picked out a lilac tree. It felt right—like a symbol of new life and love.” The couple named their daughter Lila, a nod to the lilac tree, with the middle name Rose to honor McEnany’s grandmother, whose faith and strength had been a guiding light in her life.
The Symbolic Meaning of the Lilac Tree
The choice of a lilac tree was no accident. Lilacs, known for their fragrant purple or white blooms, carry rich symbolic meanings that align closely with McEnany’s values and experiences. In the language of flowers, lilacs represent love, particularly the first stirrings of romantic or familial affection, making them a fitting tribute to the joy of welcoming a new child. They also symbolize renewal and resilience, as lilac trees bloom vibrantly each spring, even after harsh winters. For McEnany, who has been open about her struggles with fertility and her reliance on faith during challenging times, the lilac’s resilience mirrored her own journey.
McEnany elaborated on the symbolism during the Outnumbered segment, noting that lilacs reminded her of Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… He restores my soul.” She explained, “The lilac comes back every year, no matter how tough the winter. It’s like God’s promise of restoration and new beginnings. That’s what Lila means to us—a fresh start, a new chapter.” The name Lila itself, derived from the Latin lilium (lily) and often associated with the lilac flower, reinforces this connection to nature and renewal, while Rose adds a layer of familial legacy.
A Tradition of Meaningful Names
The naming of Lila Rose continues a tradition in the McEnany-Gilmartin household of choosing names with personal and symbolic significance. Their first daughter, Blake Avery, carries a middle name meaning “ruler of the elves,” evoking strength and whimsy, while their son, Nash, reflects simplicity and steadfastness. McEnany has shared that naming their children is a collaborative process, often tied to moments that define their shared journey. For Lila, the lilac tree became a living testament to their faith and love, a tangible reminder of the day they learned their family would grow.
The act of planting a tree to mark a pregnancy is a tradition McEnany hopes to continue. She mentioned on Outnumbered that the lilac tree, now thriving in their backyard, serves as a “living memory” for Lila, much like the stories and prayers she shares with her children. Fans on X responded enthusiastically, with one user writing, “Naming her daughter Lila after a lilac tree is so beautiful! Kayleigh’s faith and love for her family shine through.” Another commented, “The lilac’s symbolism of love and renewal is perfect for a baby. What a sweet story!”
A Journey Shaped by Faith and Resilience
McEnany’s choice of Lila’s name is especially poignant given her openness about her fertility struggles. In her 2023 memoir, Serenity in the Storm: Living Through Chaos by Leaning on Christ, she detailed the challenges of conceiving her second child, Nash, after the relative ease of her first pregnancy with Blake. Months of negative pregnancy tests led to worry and doubt, but McEnany credited prayer and her Christian faith with helping her persevere. She described a moment at a Christian conference where gospel singer Mandisa’s music and prayers shifted her focus to trust in God’s timing, leading to Nash’s conception shortly after.
Her third pregnancy with Lila, while not detailed in the same depth, was celebrated as another answered prayer. McEnany’s decision to plant a lilac tree on the day she learned of Lila’s existence reflects her instinct to anchor significant moments in tangible acts of faith. The lilac tree, now a fixture in their home, stands as a symbol of gratitude and hope, much like the Bible verses she quoted during her pregnancy announcement, such as Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you”.
A Name That Resonates with Fans
The story of Lila’s name has struck a chord with McEnany’s audience, many of whom admire her blend of vulnerability and conviction. The lilac tree’s symbolism has sparked discussions on social media about the power of nature to mark life’s milestones. One X user shared, “I love that Kayleigh named her daughter after a lilac tree. It’s such a meaningful way to celebrate new life.” Another wrote, “The lilac’s meaning of love and resilience is so fitting for Kayleigh’s story. Lila Rose is a perfect name.”
The choice also aligns with McEnany’s public persona as a devout Christian and advocate for family values. Her frequent references to scripture and her emphasis on raising “faith-filled children” resonate with viewers who see her as a relatable figure despite her high-profile career. By sharing the story of the lilac tree, McEnany invites others to find meaning in their own traditions, whether through planting trees, choosing symbolic names, or leaning on faith during life’s uncertainties.
A Growing Legacy
As Lila Rose grows, the lilac tree in the McEnany-Gilmartin backyard will serve as a living reminder of her place in their family’s story. McEnany has expressed her hope that her children will cherish the traditions and values she and Gilmartin instill, from attending church to appreciating the natural world. “Every time I see that lilac tree bloom, I’ll think of Lila and the day we learned she was coming,” she said on Outnumbered. “It’s a gift that keeps giving, just like her.”
The story of Lila’s name adds a new chapter to McEnany’s journey as a mother, one that intertwines faith, nature, and family in a way that feels both personal and universal. For fans, it’s a reminder of the power of small acts—like planting a tree—to carry profound meaning, and of the enduring hope that new life brings. As one X user summed it up, “Kayleigh’s lilac tree story is beautiful. Lila Rose is a name that will bloom forever.”
Conclusion
Kayleigh McEnany’s decision to name her daughter Lila Rose after the lilac tree she planted upon learning of her pregnancy is a testament to her faith, resilience, and love for her family. The lilac, with its symbolism of love, renewal, and perseverance, captures the essence of McEnany’s journey through motherhood, from her struggles with fertility to her joy in welcoming her third child. By sharing the story on Outnumbered, McEnany has inspired fans to reflect on the ways they mark life’s milestones, whether through nature, names, or faith. Lila Rose’s name, rooted in a tree that blooms each spring, serves as a living legacy of hope and a reminder that even in life’s winters, love and new beginnings endure.