In a surprising twist that has set social media abuzz, Greg Gutfeld, the sharp-witted host of Gutfeld! and co-host of The Five on Fox News, recently revealed that his newborn daughter’s name, Mira, was inspired by a character from an unexpected book. The announcement, made during a heartfelt segment on his late-night show, has sent fans into a frenzy, with speculation running wild about which literary figure could have influenced the choice. Known for his irreverent humor and conservative commentary, Gutfeld’s decision to draw inspiration from literature has sparked curiosity and debate, as fans scramble to decode the origins of Mira’s name. This revelation offers a rare glimpse into the personal life of a public figure who typically keeps his family matters private, making it all the more intriguing.

A Joyful Announcement and a Literary Clue

Gutfeld, 60, and his wife, Elena Moussa, 42, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Mira, in December 2024. The news was first shared by Gutfeld’s co-host Dana Perino on The Five, dispelling rumors about his weeks-long absence from the network. “It’s with great joy that my wife Elena and I have welcomed a baby girl into the world,” Gutfeld said in a statement read on air. “Mira is healthy with a real set of lungs. She has Elena’s beautiful eyes and my rock-hard abs.” The playful tone was quintessential Gutfeld, but it was his later comment on Gutfeld! that piqued fans’ interest: “Mira’s name comes from a book character who stuck with me—a figure of strength and mystery. No, it’s not from a comic book or one of my own books, but a real literary gem.”

This cryptic hint sent fans to their bookshelves and search engines, eager to uncover the literary connection. Gutfeld’s love for literature is no secret—he graduated with a degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and has authored several books, including The Joy of Hate and The Gutfeld Monologues. However, his mention of a “literary gem” suggested a departure from his usual pop culture references, leading to a flurry of theories about the inspiration behind Mira’s name.

The Hunt for Mira’s Literary Roots

The name Mira, derived from Latin and meaning “admirable” or “wonderful,” is both classic and versatile, appearing in various cultures and contexts. Fans have proposed several literary characters as potential inspirations, drawing from Gutfeld’s eclectic tastes and his penchant for the unexpected. One popular theory points to Mira Nair, a character from Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses, a novel known for its complex themes and controversial reception. Nair’s enigmatic presence aligns with Gutfeld’s description of “strength and mystery,” and his libertarian streak might resonate with Rushdie’s exploration of free expression. However, the novel’s polarizing nature has led some to question whether Gutfeld would choose such a provocative source.

Another contender is Mira, a character from Anita Desai’s Clear Light of Day, a novel that delves into family dynamics and personal growth. This choice would reflect a more introspective side of Gutfeld, perhaps inspired by his new role as a father. Fans on X have also suggested Mira from The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, a character known for her resilience and spiritual depth, qualities that could appeal to Gutfeld’s admiration for strong-willed figures. “I’m betting it’s Allende’s Mira,” one user posted. “Gutfeld loves a good story with gutsy characters, and that fits the bill.” Yet, without a definitive clue from Gutfeld, these remain educated guesses.

Some fans have taken a more whimsical approach, proposing characters from fantasy or science fiction, genres Gutfeld has referenced in his comedic monologues. Mira Nova from Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, a spin-off of Toy Story, surfaced as a playful theory, though Gutfeld’s insistence on a “literary gem” makes this less likely. Others have speculated about Mira from classic literature, such as Mira in Shakespeare’s The Tempest (though the character is actually named Miranda), or even Mira Ponsonby from P.G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves series, aligning with Gutfeld’s appreciation for sharp humor.

Gutfeld’s Personal Connection to Literature

Gutfeld’s revelation about Mira’s name underscores his deep connection to literature, a facet of his personality that often takes a backseat to his on-air persona. In a 2009 interview, he discussed how his time at Berkeley shaped his worldview, exposing him to diverse ideas that influenced his shift from liberalism to libertarianism. His mother, Jacqueline Gutfeld, was a key figure in nurturing his love for reading, bringing him books during childhood illnesses. “My mom would pick up things for me to read when I was stuck in bed,” Gutfeld once shared, recalling how those stories fueled his imagination. This early bond with literature likely played a role in choosing a name with such significance for his daughter.

The decision to name Mira after a book character also reflects Gutfeld’s desire to imbue his daughter’s identity with meaning. In a rare moment of sentimentality, he remarked on Gutfeld!, “Names matter. They carry stories, and I wanted Mira to have one that’s rich with heart and history.” This statement has fueled speculation that the book in question holds personal resonance for Gutfeld, perhaps tied to his own experiences or his hopes for Mira’s future.

Fans’ Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The announcement has sparked a wave of excitement and curiosity on social media, particularly on X, where fans have shared their theories and celebrated Gutfeld’s new role as a father. “Greg Gutfeld naming his kid after a book character is so on-brand,” one user wrote. “Now I’m rereading Rushdie to figure it out!” Another posted, “Mira Gutfeld is already cooler than most of us. Bet that book is something obscure Greg’s been obsessed with forever.” The speculation has even inspired online book clubs, with fans proposing to read potential source novels together to crack the code.

Not all reactions have been purely literary. Some fans have used the opportunity to poke fun at Gutfeld’s age, noting that becoming a father at 60 is no small feat. “Greg’s out here reading literary classics and changing diapers—multitasking king!” one user joked. Others have expressed admiration for Gutfeld’s vulnerability, a departure from his usual sardonic style. “Seeing Greg talk about his daughter and her name with such pride is heartwarming,” a fan commented. “He’s still the king of late night, but now he’s a dad too.”

A New Chapter for the Gutfeld Family

Mira’s arrival has marked a significant milestone for Gutfeld and Moussa, who married in 2004 after meeting in Portugal. The couple’s decision to keep their personal lives private has only heightened interest in Mira’s name and its literary origins. Gutfeld’s return to Fox News in January 2025, after a six-week paternity leave, was marked by lighthearted anecdotes about fatherhood, including his admission that he’s “terrible at everything” when it comes to baby care, leaving much of the responsibility to Moussa. Yet, his pride in Mira is evident, particularly in his decision to share the story behind her name.

The literary inspiration for Mira’s name also aligns with Gutfeld’s broader narrative of challenging conventions. By choosing a name tied to a book character, he’s made a statement about the power of stories to shape identity, even as he navigates the demands of his high-profile career. As he prepares for a busy 2025, with tour dates and his ongoing roles on Gutfeld! and The Five, Mira’s presence is likely to influence his perspective, perhaps softening the edges of his trademark sarcasm.

The Mystery Continues

For now, the exact book character behind Mira’s name remains a mystery, and Gutfeld seems to relish keeping fans guessing. “I’m not giving it away that easily,” he teased on Gutfeld!, prompting laughter from his panelists. Whether the inspiration comes from Rushdie, Allende, Desai, or an entirely unexpected source, the search for answers has brought fans together, sparking conversations about literature, family, and the personal side of a public figure known for his provocative takes.

Mira Gutfeld’s name is more than just a nod to a book—it’s a testament to the enduring power of stories and the ways they connect generations. As fans continue to scour novels for clues, Gutfeld’s revelation has reminded us that even the most outspoken voices have quiet, meaningful moments that define them. For Gutfeld, Mira is not just his daughter but a new chapter in his own story, one that promises to be as compelling as the books that have shaped him.