Hallmark Star Andrea Brooks Dug Deep Into Her Family History To Name Her Daughter
Hallmark's Andrea Brooks is rather private when it comes to her family, only occasionally sharing faceless photos of her three children on Instagram. However, during an interview with ET, the "When Calls the Heart" star did reveal how her family's history and an heirloom influenced her eldest child's name: Viola, which is a vintage baby name you can make feel fresh in 2026. "It's a family name that belonged to my great grandmother," Brooks, who also has two sons with husband Riley Graydon, explained. "I have one of her lockets from the early 1900s and 'Viola' is inscribed on the back." The actor shared that when she and Graydon began dating, she placed a photo of them in the locket, noting, "The name has always meant a lot to me." Brooks shared a photo of the gold necklace shortly after welcoming Viola in November 2019.
Even though some celebrity baby names got way too much hate, Brooks has continued to share her children's names with the world. The Hallmark star would also pay homage to Elton John by naming her second child Levon, after the legend's 1971 track. She welcomed him in 2022, followed by her youngest, Angus, in 2024.
Motherhood has made Andrea Brooks cherish her Hallmark movies more
Andrea Brooks, known for her role as Faith Carter in "When Calls the Heart," revealed that her Hallmark movies hold a bigger place in her heart since she became a parent. "Since becoming a mom, my roles, especially in the Hallmark movies, have meant so much more to me," Brooks told TV Fanatic in 2023. "... [Viola] does watch episodes of 'When Calls the Heart.' She watches pieces of the movies that I do, and that we can share that experience is amazing. It makes everything more important. I appreciate my time on set a lot more."
Similar to Jennifer Garner, who is balancing her "selfish" acting career and motherhood, the "Supergirl" star also noted that she appreciates the time she has to work given how hectic family life can be. But while parenting can be chaotic, she cherishes the little moments, whether it's running races with her daughter or choosing her name based on treasured family history.