Irina Shayk Reveals the Meaning Behind Daughter Lea de Seine's Name for the Very First Time

• Irina Shayk is the star of BAZAAR.com's 2019 Summer Digital Cover.
• The model opened up about the meaning behind her daughter's name.
• Shayk co-parents Lea de Seine with actor and director Bradley Cooper.

The theme of Irina Shayk's BAZAAR.com Summer Digital Cover shoot was "Upper East Side Power Mom," a perfect fit for the mother of one.

The prolific model welcomed Lea de Seine Shayk Cooper on March 21, 2017. And for the first time ever, Shayk has revealed the sweet meaning behind her daughter's name.

As the proud mom tells BAZAAR.com, Lea de Seine is named after a member of the supermodel's family. Shayk reveals that her paternal grandmother was called Galina, which apparently inspired Lea's first name.

The Victoria's Secret model also explained, "The second part is the Seine, like the river in Paris." As Shayk regularly walks runways all over the globe, it's fitting that her daughter's name draws inspiration from both an important family member and one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

"My father's mother was one of the strongest women in my life," Shayk said regarding her grandmother's influence. "It was really inspiring to grow up in a women's family because you learn so much from the strong women in your life." And in tribute to her grandmother, Shayk has the name Galina tattooed on her ankle, so that "she’s always with me."

As well as giving readers the sweet tidbit about her daughter, Shayk also opened up on how she balances motherhood with a global career. "Women can raise the kids, women can do the job, and when she's back, she can cook and clean and do the heavy work too!" she said.

And as for her approach to raising her daughter, Shayk made it clear that being honest with Lea de Seine is her priority: "You have to be really truly yourself for your kids, otherwise you're living in a lie."

Amy Mackelden

Contributing Writer

Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.