Ashley Cain defends newborn son's name after fierce backlash over moniker

18 January 2024 , 22:17

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Ashley Cain has shared the full meaning behind his new baby son's name

Ashley Cain has shared the full meaning behind his newborn's son name - almost three years on from the tragic death of his daughter, Azaylia.

Along with his ex-girlfriend Safiyya Azaylia, former Ex on the Beach star Ashley welcomed Azaylia into the world in August 2020. However, the pair learned she was suffering from leukemia when she was just eight-weeks old before she sadly passed away in April 2021. After Ashley announced his newborn son's name, fans expressed anger about the fact it was similar to his late daughter's.

After establishing the The Azaylia Foundation in their little girl's memory, Ashley and 36-year old Safiyya went their separate ways. Less than a year later, meanwhile, Ashley hooked up with an unnamed childhood friend, who gave birth to their son, Aliyas, earlier this week.

Aliyas Diamond Cain arrived on January 16

Ashley Cain has shared the full meaning behind his new baby son's name (Instagram/ @mrashleycain)

Hailing Aliyas' arrival, doting dad Ashley wrote on Instagram: "Aliyas Diamond Cain - 16.01.24, 4:32am, 9lbs 3oz. I will love you, appreciate you, guide you and protect you with all of my heart, for the rest of my life. & you will have the most beautiful guardian angel heaven holds watching over you and protecting you too. Welcome to the world my son. May your body be strong, your mind be wise, your heart be loving and your spirit be pure and truly powerful."

Scores of his 1.9 million followers pointed out the similarity between Azaylia and Aliyas' names, with some becoming angry about the likeness. One person said: "So hurtful & disrespectful. Same initials and same middle name." Another person echoed: "There is still time to change his name to something respectable and not to stamp on a grieving mother’s heart." Other comments included: "So hard not to jump on the train name reaction but absolutely horrified at the name" and, "Naming your son with another woman nearly the same as you’re angel daughters is a bit low."

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In response, Ashley explained that a "family tradition" was behind the likeness, rather than the latter's name being a tribute to his late sibling. "What the letter 'A' holds is a family tradition, being the first letter of my father's and all of my uncles first names," Ashley said. He continued: "The name 'Diamond' is from my grandma and their mother. It's our family name along with Cain, it's our Vincentian roots, all the way from our small island and from our great people."

Ashley explained Aliyas' name is down to tradition (Instagram/ @mrashleycain)

Some followers hit out, however, claiming the name was insensitive and like to upset Safiyya. One Instagram user commented: "Saffiya must be hurting knowing you’ve called your son (with a different woman) a similar name to your daughter that yous had together." Another agreed: "I don’t know how you thought this was okay.. all saf had left was her babies name and you’ve taken that from her." A third added: "Nah how you using a name that sounds like same as your daughters I actually feel heart broken for saf." And a fourth said: "He can't see Saffs feelings through all of his ego! Surely.... ?? Because no man with a heart would do the same as choosing a name like this one."

Others defended Ashley's decision, however, stating: "Congratulations on the birth of your Son his beautiful. It’s really touching that Azaylia will forever be a part of your son’s life too, as they are united in name." A second fan penned: "Aww congratulations beautiful name , beautiful little boy." And a third wrote: "Most of you in these comments are nailing him for choice of name! Calm down and give yourselves a minute to think… very few of us have been in the position he and his ex have/ARE in."

Alan Johnson