When Colson Baker, better known as Machine Gun Kelly sat down with Savannah Guthrie on The Today ShowNBC Studios, New York City, he finally laid out why their newborn daughter bears the unusually long moniker Saga Blade Fox-Baker. The interview aired live on August 1, 2025, and quickly turned into a pop‑culture talking point.
Background on the couple
The romance between Megan Fox and Baker kicked off in May 2020, when the actress was still navigating a high‑profile divorce from Brian Austin Green. Their on‑again, off‑again saga—public break‑ups in May 2022, a brief reconciliation in October 2022, engagement news in November 2023—kept fans guessing. By December 2024 the couple announced they had split, a split that coincided with Fox revealing she was pregnant in October 2024.
Fox’s pregnancy was not the first brush with loss. In March 2023 she opened up to Women’s Wear Daily about an ectopic pregnancy that occurred while she was dating Baker. Her 2022 poetry collection, *Pretty Boys Are Poisonous*, also details earlier miscarriages, underscoring a pattern of personal tragedy that would later surface in the naming discussion.
The naming decision explained
During the segment, Baker said the name was a "symbolic gesture" that captures both his heritage and the couple’s roller‑coaster journey. "Well, I lost the first one and won the second one," he quipped, referencing his earlier daughter Casie Colson Baker, born when he was just 18 and whose naming rights were, by his own account, contested by former partner Emma Cannon.
He went on to explain, "'Saga' references an epic narrative and Nordic mythology. Her journey—five years of coming, disappearing, coming back again—is an epic story. I'm also of Norwegian heritage, so the goddess Sága, who presides over storytelling, felt right." The connection to the Old Norse goddess is not a stretch; Sága appears in the *Prose Edda* as a deity of destiny and tales.
"Blade"? That's a nod to his own stage persona. "I’m Machine Gun Kelly, but Blade is the part of me that cuts through the noise," he said, chuckling. The dual‑surname “Fox‑Baker” acknowledges both parents equally, a point that mattered after their split.
Legal custody and public reaction
Legal paperwork filed with the Los Angeles County Superior Court on February 3, 2025, officially listed the child’s full name as Saga Blade Fox-Baker. Despite their separation, the court granted joint legal custody, mirroring the arrangement Fox maintains with her three older children—Noah Shannon Green (born April 27, 2012), Bodhi Ransom Green (born February 2, 2014), and Journey River Green (born September 2, 2016)—from her marriage to Green.
Fans took to social media in droves. Some praised the cultural depth, while others called the name “over‑the‑top.” One Twitter thread noted, "If you can’t pronounce it, you can’t claim it," sparking a brief meme wave. Meanwhile, celebrity analyst Katherine McCoy told *Variety* that the choice reflects a growing trend among A‑list couples to embed personal narratives into their children's names.
Cultural and mythological references
Beyond the personal, the name taps into a larger pop‑culture fascination with Norse myth. In the past decade, Marvel’s Thor franchise and TV series like *Vikings* have made deities like Odin, Freyja, and indeed Sága household names. Baker, whose paternal roots trace back to Bergen, Norway, mentioned his 2022 memoir *Born + Broken* as the source of his connection to the country.
By invoking Sága, the couple aligns their child with a figure associated with "predestination and storytelling"—a poetic way of saying they hope she’ll write her own epic. The “Blade” component adds a modern, edgy twist, balancing ancient lore with contemporary branding.
What’s next for Baker and Fox?
Both stars have hinted at co‑parenting plans that keep the child in Los Angeles while allowing each parent to maintain busy careers. Fox is slated to star in a new Netflix drama slated for a 2026 release, and Baker has teased a surprise album drop later this year, which may include a track titled "Saga" as a tribute.
"Megan’s a great mom and just killing it, and I’m so excited," Baker said, wrapping up the segment. The future looks collaborative, even if romance is off the table. As for Saga, she’s already been christened on Instagram with a lullaby‑filled ukulele video that Baker posted on January 15, 2025—though the infant’s face remained out of frame, the caption read, "Saga Blade Fox‑Baker ❤️🔥 thank you for the ultimate gift @meganfox."
Key takeaways
- Both parents are high‑profile entertainers navigating joint custody after a public breakup.
- The name blends personal history (lost child Casie), Norwegian ancestry, and mythological symbolism.
- Legal documents confirm joint custody and the official full name.
- Public reaction is mixed, reflecting broader debates about celebrity naming trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Saga Blade’s name reflect the couple’s personal history?
The name "Saga" ties into the five‑year, on‑and‑off relationship timeline and the couple’s prior pregnancy loss. "Blade" references Baker’s stage persona, while "Fox‑Baker" acknowledges both parents equally after their separation.
What legal custody arrangement was established for the baby?
Los Angeles County Superior Court granted joint legal custody to Baker and Fox on February 3, 2025. The arrangement mirrors Fox’s existing shared custody of her three older children with ex‑husband Brian Austin Green.
Why did the couple choose a name rooted in Norse mythology?
Baker has Norwegian ancestry from Bergen, and he referenced the Old Norse goddess Sága, who presides over storytelling. He felt the mythic link captured the “epic story” he sees in his daughter’s life.
How have fans reacted to the unusually long name?
Reactions split between admiration for the cultural depth and criticism for being overly elaborate. Social media memes poked fun at the pronunciation, while some commentators praised the personal significance.
Will the name influence any upcoming projects for the parents?
Baker hinted at a possible track titled "Saga" on his upcoming album, and Fox’s next Netflix series is slated for 2026, where she may reference motherhood in storylines.